Topic: Broad beans.

[grannyjanny]

I ordered some scorpio broad beans because on the web site (Fothergill's) it said sow until July. They have arrived & on the packet it says sow Feb-April. What do you think, is it worth a try bearing in mind we only have a half plot so can't afford to waste space.

[Mr Smith]

I think it is a little late for Broad beans but you have time to sow Dwarf(French) Beans which I did at the weekend, :)

[saddad]

I'd leave them until next season...  :-\

[Robert_Brenchley]

There's a lot of variable advice out there regarding latest planting dates. Anything from March to May or 'early summer'. It's a bit late but there's no harm done if you do plant now.

[saddad]

Will they germinate in the warm? I thought they might be like lettuce and not germinate above a certain temperature...  :-\

[Robert_Brenchley]

They'll germinate, I've done it before. They may not grow so well if it's too hot for them.

[Plot69]

I personally would wait until October.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Depends on the variety. Some, like Aquadulce Claudia, are best planted in autumn, others, like red-flowered broad bean, won't cone through the winter and would need to ait till spring.

[Ishard]

If I have the seed and have the ground, in they go.  ;D I am still planting bbeans cos I love them so much.
If it doesnt work it has cost me about 30p for the seeds, no loss.

[1066]

I ordered some scorpio broad beans because on the web site (Fothergill's) it said sow until July. They have arrived & on the packet it says sow Feb-April. What do you think, is it worth a try bearing in mind we only have a half plot so can't afford to waste space.

I'd be a bit miffed about the misinformation between the website and the packet - maybe worth dropping them an email and a moan ?!

1066

[Mr Smith]

Ishard,
             If they are the broad beans from a certain shop in town that sell their own brand seeds for 30p well the ones I put have chocolate spot and the other varieties of beans I have in don't have CS, :)

[Ishard]

I buy mine by the pound (weight) from the Allotment Assoc shop but thanks for the warning  :)

[Hector]

My bunyards have germinated (to replace beans massacred by mystery assailant)

[Digeroo]

I planted some rather late and they have gone a bit leggy, decided to dig them up and plant climbing French in their place.  Left a few good looking plants.  I have the feeling that late ones attract the dreaded blackfly.  But I have lots of broad beans so actually planted them to break up the soil, will not miss them.

[Robert_Brenchley]

I planted some rather late and they have gone a bit leggy, decided to dig them up and plant climbing French in their place.  Left a few good looking plants.  I have the feeling that late ones attract the dreaded blackfly. 

They do, because there are more blackfly about later in the season.