Broad Beans

Hi folks. I have some broad beans (Aquadulce) that according to the packet, can be sown from now on until January. I seem to remember my father sowing these during November. His reasoning was that they wouldn't get knocked about during the winter as much because they wouldn't be as far advanced compared with an October sowing. Does this sound like a good idea ? cheers...freddy.

 

Freddy, in my opinion, you don`t gain anything by sowing broad beans in the ground now or in November. Sow them February/March for best results.:thumb:

 

Interesting, Dai. I thought that received wisdom was that Autumn sowings had better resistance to blackfly?
(I'm not arguing - just asking!)

 

I don't know either - but I'm trying Aquadulce - they're just little seedlings - about to go out to harden up before I plant them out.

I'll report back next year !!

 

It is possible to sow now and I've had great success...I've also had a bad frost wipe out the lot.Mostly luck of the location I reckon. As for Black fly,I find they attack the odd one or few but on the whole don't do that much harm....Well that's my experience anyway

 

If you want to avoid blackfly go for the dwarf " The Sutton ".:thumb:

 

Hi folks. Dai, the reason I would LIKE to sow this year, is to free up the ground that bit earlier next year. And as for The Sutton, well, I tried it myself this year and was very disappointed with it. Low yield and PLENTY of blackfly. But, who knows, maybe I could have sown it earlier. Cheers...freddy.

 

Have you tried Exibition Long Pod?...I grew them and had great crops ,then mixed a fresh packet with the seasons seeds to keep them 'fresh'....After 4 years I was winning prizes :thumb:

 

Hi Nick. No, I haven't tried those, but I would assume they are for spring planting ? The thing is, I seem to remember my father getting very good crops from Aquadulce and the ground was cleared ready for something else, bearing in mind that they are reckoned to crop around a month before spring sown ones. Space is at a premium for me and I MUST try to make full use of it. Cheers...freddy.

 

I think the thing about Autumn sown broad beans and Blackfly is that the plants are more advanced, obviously, by the time the blackfly arrive, and you can pinch out the tops and thus the blackfly don't have juicy tips to eat, and don't breed in plague-like proportions.

I didn't know that The Sutton was dwarf (I just bought whatever was in the shop that said "Autumn sowing :( ), and that's what I've sown. Not happy I'll have to get some Aquadulce and replant :(

 

I tried The Sutton this year (Spring planting) and, like freddy, was very disappointed with the yield. I found them more resistant to Blackfly than Exhibition Longpod, but not immune. Luckily I caught my Blackfly early and a combination of pinching out and insecticide kept them at bay.
We liked the texture of the Exhibition Longpod - my wife picked the lot so I had none left for my seed box! My row was a bit exposed and needed some support.
Can't comment on Autumn sowing, but I'm going to sow a few plants this year.