Broad Bean - Imperial Green Longpod

[kGarden]

This year I'm growing several varieties of Broad Bean as a trial to see which we like the flavour of the most.

On my list to try, based on "Best Broad Bean Varieties" articles I have read is Broad Bean - Imperial Green Longpod (it also has RHS AGM)

I sowed all the other varieties in my trial some weeks ago, but I didn't have any seed of this variety. Today I visited all the local outlets and none of them stocked it (which is presumably why I didn't already have a packet from when I got my other seeds!!). So not outstandingly popular then, presumably?

None of Suttons, Marshalls, Unwins sell it ... Dobbies do (which I suppose is a part of Suttons), and T&M, but other than that its the more specialist outlets.

Although Moles sell it too. (325 seeds for £2.80 as against 50 seeds from T&M for £3.69 ...)

So the question is: is it worth me getting it for the trial, or is its flavour not that special?

Other varieties in my Broad Bean taste trial:

Aquadulce - I've always sown this for better cold tolerance, but I wonder if the flavour is a compromise. It will be my control

Bunyards Exhibition
Masterpiece Green Longpod

[kGarden]

[Flighty]

MoreVeg do them -  £1-30 for 40 seeds (plus p&p).

http://moreveg.co.uk/epages/bd0b9b93-06b9-4b49-9efb-f179fdacfbdd.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/bd0b9b93-06b9-4b49-9efb-f179fdacfbdd/Products/BBNIG

[Digeroo]

I personally prefer Masterpiece to Imperial.

Bit of confusion as far as I know:  Dobbies who run garden centres are part of Tesco
Dobies of Devon who are into seeds are part of Suttons.

And yes I think Moles are good value.

I got a packet of Imperial for 10p from Wilkinsons.  I would say I would share, but now a days anything lumpy is rejected by Royal Mail and charged as a package.   So even a few beans works out very expensive.

[kGarden]

I got a packet of Imperial for 10p from Wilkinsons.

Only place in town I didn't go :( on the grounds that Wilkos only sell a small range of varieties!  I'll nip in today, thanks ... failing that I'll do Moles I think - and hope I like them, as I'll have seed for years (Moles charge postage for bean seed though ... whereas small packet stuff would be free.

[Digeroo]

It was end of last year, cannot be sure they will have it again.

[kGarden]

I've been, they didn't !

But I did get the chance to help a lady who was pondering which seeds to choose for her window box. And I got some nice Cheese for my lunch from the Deli :)

[antipodes]

I grew those for 2 years and they are very good - quite resistant to the old blackfly, or at least a bit more than Aquadulce.
I bought them online, probably from vegetableseeds.net, as that is where I usually buy my seeds.

[Jayb]

I've grown them a few years ago, I think seeds from T&M which is no help for now! But I liked them, good crop and taste was good. I've not grown them the last couple of years as I've been trying/growing different varieties. Though I have them pencilled in to sow this year, hopefully seeds won't be too old. Let us know how you get on with Broad B trial, I've not grown Bunyards Exhibition, look forward to the results 

[kGarden]

:)

I've been trying/growing different varieties.

I'll be interested to hear your variety comparison thoughts :)

[Digeroo]

I have got several types of broadies so doing a bit of an experiment as well.

I have got the Imperial and I have Karmazyn and a couple from HSL as well as my own saved seeds, which by now have quite a variety of genes since they have been open pollinated but I select the best longest pods with the greenest seeds every year.    Unfortunately the voles seem to love them so I have to watch very carefully and try and catch them the moment before they are totally dry and finished them on the windowsill.  And my favourite Masterpiece. 

I also found some Dreadnought three years out of date, and got 100% germination.    Not even been in the freezer,

I've been, they didn't !

Sorry to send you off on a wild goose chase.

I will keep the rest my Imperial in the freezer in case it is another variety on the way out.   

[kGarden]

I've been, they didn't !

Sorry to send you off on a wild goose chase.

Nah, I was looking for an excuse to go out ... did my chores whilst out as well, so came home and polished my halo :)

[Vinlander]

I agree that most green seeded beat most white seeded - one exception being the green seeds of Crimson Flowered (a real shame that).

I hope someone sometime will breed some flavour back in to compensate for what was lost when someone else (a florist?) went for colour only. I'd be happy with half-and-half if that's the best that can be done.

Anyway, in general it makes sense to sow white seed in Autumn and green in Spring - crazy to consider anything else really.

Cheers.