Runner beans - no pods!

[Iain D]

Hi there,  I've grown runner beans for the first time this year - in a pot cos I'm short of garden space!  The variety is Hestia - it took ages to get going but over the last month or so has produced loads of lovely red and white flowers but not a single pod!!  My questions are; 1) is this a common thing?, 2) could it be a problem with the variety (i've read that pure white flowered varieties might be more successful) and 3) given my limited space should I try runners again next year (I have a friend who gave up growing them in the north of Scotland, which is where I am, because he never got a decent crop). 

Other things have done really well in the pots - especially broad beans which have been terrific.  They are my new favourite veg - more pots of these next year  :)

Thank you for your help, Iain

[Iain D]

[redimp]

I grew runners in pots before I got my lotty.  They need watering about twice a day to get the flowers to set.  You could also try misting them with water or a sugar solution.  Good luck.

[Mrs Ava]

I don't think you are alone - from previous posts, it seems lots of people have been having some trouble getting runners to set this year.  I start mine early, 1st May in the ground usually, so that they are in flower when the weather is still cool and the ground still damp as by mid August - now - it is so dry, mine whither and die.  It could be that you need a slightly later sowing.  Bees chew through the backs of flowers to get at the pollen so not doing their job properly, sparrows eat the flowers, if it is to dry, the flowers will drop.  To be honest, I prefer French Beans.  There are lots available, they don't need pollinators and I find them more reliable and more useable than runners.

[saddad]

As with EJ if you are struggling try Climbing French Beans instead.. they can stand it drier and give a better crop under conditions that have runners sulking!

[PurpleHeather]

I am told that there has been a virus which has almost wiped out bees in some areas, luckily we have our own hive on site and plenty of produce.

[grawrc]

I wonder if the heat has been part of the problem? Much cooler now and suddenly I'm picking runers and french beans galore.

[Robert_Brenchley]

I am told that there has been a virus which has almost wiped out bees in some areas, luckily we have our own hive on site and plenty of produce.

Not so much a virus as a mite which spreads viruses around. There's slow progress being made towards breeding a resistant bee, but it's very slow.

[Biscombe]

Same problem here in Spain with my scarlet emperor's, didn't get a meal from 20 plants!! Heres some tips I'm going to try next year from the replies from my similar post.

1. Spray with water
2. Plant lavender or other 'bee' plants close by
3. Try white flowered varieties
4. Water, water and more water

Good luck next year everyone!!

[saddad]

I cant imagine you having any success with runner beans in Spain.. they are from the rain forests... you would have to keep them in a bath!
;D

[Iain D]

Thanks very much for all your ideas and suggestions. I won't give up yet and I'll try them all next year!  Thanks again

Iain

[Biscombe]

Well Saddad they do grow here seen them with my own eyes!!  It's trying to find the variety that can stand the heat! I will keep trying :)

[saddad]

If you find one let us all Know Biscombe, cos if the summers carry on like this we will all have to grow it!
;D