Topic: runner bean problems

[happygardner]

hello I dont know what I am doing wrong but flowers on the runner beans seem to be dropping off I have been spraying them with water and debugging them can anyone tell me why they are doing this many thanks

[Bugloss2009]

the main reasons for runner beans not setting seem to be -

it's early in the season - not enough pollinating insects
lack of water at the roots
weather too hot
poor soil - not enough organic matter, too acid

it's still early days!

[betula]

Hmmmm my flowers have been on for ages and I am concerned that nothing seems to be happening no flowers dropping off yet...fingers crossed.

[Chrispy]

Is spraying them with water a good idea? I would have thought this would deter pollinating insects.

[Bugloss2009]

Is spraying them with water a good idea? I would have thought this would deter pollinating insects.

it used to be what you were told to do. "syringe" (!) the flowers, but I never did it

RHS says no (helpful page)
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=381

[PurpleHeather]

It has been a little dry this year, keep them well watered,  if you have a 'mist' attachment to your hose they appreciate it, it helps keep the beans tender too when the weather is hot and dry.

It is a normal process for plants to abort reproduction if there is a lack of water, beans are sturdy plants and will spring back. The warm pell has made them blossom earlier this year.  I know that for a fact.

Much them in round the roots too if possible, well rotted manure is appreciated for that.

[Fork]

I have seeb some bees go into the flower from behind...this causes the flower to drop too

[Sinbad7]

If I ever had trouble with the flowers setting I always sprayed them with sugar water always worked for me. 

But expect it is an old fashioned idea but it does attract the bee's.

[happygardner]

thanks for all of your help I think that I will wait and see what happens  I water them every day I wont bother with spraying the flowers anymore the site where they are I put manure down last year so I have tried to do things that are right  isnt nature strange you never get anything the same 2 years running thats what I enjoy about gardening lorraine

[landimad]

Happy gardener,

You are not alone in the failed runner bean area. I too have not had a good year this year.

This was taken on the 1st July 2010
What a sorry sight to have growing and waiting for them to pod up.
56 seeds to start with and another 24 added as the first lot failed.  :(
All we have this year so far is a measly 30 plants to cover the canes with.

[betula]

How dissapointing for you.All of mine were eaten by rabbits last year.........I was gutted.