Topic: Yard Long Beans

[Palustris]

Anyone grow them? We reckon that as long as you do not let them get too long and so go tough, that these are better tasting than either French Beans or Runners(yuck!). However, they are too tender to grow outside with us.

[Emagggie]

I have tried to grow these several times and as soon as I put them in the ground they peg out.  :( Maybe I'd do better in the greenhouse too, even though we are south east.

[muddylou]

I grew them outside this year despite all negative posts. I should have listened to them, the seeds came from Thailand, they grew head height but never even flowered. Needless to say I never had any beans.
     I've read that there are a variety (from America I believe) that have been developed to grow in colder climates. Will try these next year.

[jennym]

I've had a problem with these yard long beans here too. They just don't thrive for me. I know a chap in Colchester who does very well with them though. Did try Hunter beans this year, they were very good indeed.

[:(]

I have tried to grow these several times and as soon as I put them in the ground they peg out. 

Me too.

[Paulines7]

I tried to grow Yard Long Beans last year but they were a failure. 

I also tried Hunter beans this year for the first time and they were brilliant.  They were earlier than the runners even though they were planted the same time.  This extended the cropping period for my beans as I was picking the Hunters two weeks before the Runners started flowering. 

[1066]

I've read that there are a variety (from America I believe) that have been developed to grow in colder climates. Will try these next year.

If you find out the name can you let us know. I'd love to try them, and might be able to beg / borrow some greenhosue space next year

Thanks

1066  :)

[goodlife]

Yes..no success with yard long here neither..had few to eat in past..but that is how far I've got.. ::)
But I'm not beaten..I'm going to try again and again until I 'crack the code' with them..next year..I'll try again..and some indoors.. ::)

[Emagggie]

Are 'Hunter' french or runner type beans? I grow both but looking for a new variety for next year. I like the look of the Yard long beans though, so I may well give them a final go. ;D

[BarriedaleNick]

I have tried to grow these several times and as soon as I put them in the ground they peg out. 

Me too.

Me three!

[Paulines7]

Are 'Hunter' french or runner type beans?

They are classified as a French bean, yet they look more like runners.  For those that haven't grown them, Hunter are the flat beans that are now found in supermarkets.  There is a picture of them here:
http://www.unwins.co.uk/french-bean-hunter-seeds-climbing-pid1132.html

According to the site below, Yard Long Beans require a conservatory or poly-tunnel in cooler climes. 
http://www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/seeds/pages/altsal.htm

Has anyone managed to grow the Yard Long in Britain and if so do they taste any different to Blue Lake climbing French beans? 

[Emagggie]

Thanks for the info Pauline. Looks good to me. :)

[muddylou]

If you find out the name can you let us know. I'd love to try them, and might be able to beg / borrow some greenhosue space next year

Thanks

1066  :)
[/quote]

I'll have a Google after work and see if I can find it again, then let you know.

[muddylou]

I think it must have been these I noticed, trouble is they only deliver to the US and Canada.  :-[

http://www.botanicalinterests.com/store/search_results_detail.php?seedtype=V&seedid=356

[Squash64]

I have tried to grow these several times and as soon as I put them in the ground they peg out. 

Me too.

Me three!

Me four!

[Digeroo]

I grew some up sweetcorn last year so they were very sheltered and managed to get them to the flowering stage but no beans. 

[Palustris]

Interesting. We manage to get a decent crop (well enough for the 2 of us) in the Polytunnel.

[cleo]

No luck with them here either-indoors. But it can be done as I have seen them growing in a greenhouse a few miles North of here.

http://www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk/

The gardener was not around so I couldn`t get any `tips` but judging by what else was growing in there it was nothing special so I guess it`s just a matter of luck and starting them early enough

[betula]

I have grown Enorma this year with great success.They are described as a traditional exhibition variety with very long straight pods.

[cornykev]

No joy here with the YL beans either, they germinated direct, grew a bit and stopped.        :'( :'( :'(