I received 10 seeds of crimson flowered broad bean from HSL, got 9 plants and was growing them just for the seed. The plants have not been brilliant - but all have set some beans. The weather has dried out the plants - thought they were reviving last week but this morning they were all dried out again, most leaves completely dry- but the pods and beans were NOT dry - opened one pod and the beans were still green with just a hint of red. Should I take up the plants and hang them up till the beans are dry? Pick them and dry them? I do so want some for next year!! Thanks for any advice.
Sort of in a similar situation - mine got hit by blackfly, but they are still growing and look to be trying to set new flowers. I have some seed in pods but not a great deal more than I started with.
If they're link runner or french beans then you can safely pick the pods and dry them on a seed tray in a green house - heat not direct sun and don't leave them there or they'll germinate in the damp come September ( or now if you're not in the SE)
Crimson flowered broadies have green seeds, they will get that little black stipe where they were attached in the pod which indicates they are ripening. If you think the plants can give the seeds no more growing wise it may be as well to protect from the weather. Cut the stems and hang them somewhere dry to finish off.