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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: pete10 on July 09, 2006, 16:40:26

Title: Dropping Runner bean flowers.
Post by: pete10 on July 09, 2006, 16:40:26
Hi has anybody had this problem . I don't think its due to dry soil as well mulched perhaps the wind
has got at them .
Title: Re: Dropping Runner bean flowers.
Post by: ashgarth on July 09, 2006, 17:12:31
You could try misting them with sugared water to encourage the bees.  Not a problem I have had yet as the snails got all mine so I am about a month behind.
Title: Re: Dropping Runner bean flowers.
Post by: valmarg on July 09, 2006, 23:02:55
I know that the early flowers do seem to 'drop', but we have found that sparrows do love to peck off the flowers of runner beans (particularly the red flowered varieties).  What the attraction is???

Its early days yet, as we only have flowers on the plants.

Hoping for a bumper crop anyway!!!
Title: Re: Dropping Runner bean flowers.
Post by: pete10 on July 10, 2006, 00:07:47
Yes fair point there perhaps they like the beans its Early days will have to keep a eye out for them.
Title: Re: Dropping Runner bean flowers.
Post by: Hot_Potato on July 17, 2006, 17:40:09
I'm soooo disappointed - got this problem too....my beans (16 plants) are growing in a deep trough on my patio, the plants were planted in the contents of a grow bag....altho the roots do not seem to get the sun at all, they've grown well up the canes - right to the top & over - with large healthy green leaves - there's been loads of red flowers on the top half of the beans and lots of bees have been visiting (& the odd butterfly & other insects) but so many of the flowers have just dropped off, leaving just 'stalks' and not a sign of a single bean :'(

can't think why this is....definintely not birds pecking at them - I water them every day so they're not dry!

as I know I'm getting the bees visit, is there any point in misting with sugared water?

has anyone any idea why this is happening?....would the growbag compost be harmful in any way?

H.P.
Title: Re: Dropping Runner bean flowers.
Post by: SMP1704 on July 17, 2006, 17:58:26
I had this problem and a lottie neighbour suggested that I spray the leaves - just using the rose on the watering can.

I don't know if there is a connection, but the beans are now setting and the plants generally look much happier.

HTH