Disappearing Runner Beans

This is my first time growing runner beans so I don't know what's supposed to be going on with them. They are just starting to fruit ... is that the term? ... develop? ... and on some there are darling little beans at the base, then a bunch of stalks, then the flowers at the top. Is something eating them before I have a chance to? :confused:

 

Sounds like normal RBs.
The little beans at the base will grow into big beans and the flowers on the stalks will turn into little beans and then big beans and the stalks will continue to grow and put out more flowers. The flowers will produce more beans and the stalks will grow etc etc.
Given your location, if you mist spray the flowers with water every evening and early morning, you'll improve fertilisation of the flowers and get more beans.
The roots need to be kept well watered.

Beans in the middle of an orange grove - I should be so lucky :rolleyes:

 

Thanks, Dave

Over the last couple of days more beans seem to be appearing ... the first ones are about an inch long now as the plants are about 6-8 feet tall! They are on a drip irrigation system on a trellis behind my roses and I also give a little extra because of the heat here. The roots are in the shade in a pergola.

I do inspect daily for bugs etc and can find nothing but still spray with washing up liquid with a wee bit of bicarb in it.

Thanks for the advice and I'll keep you posted.

VickyB

The oranges are in bloom and fruit all year long in this location ... fantastic ... permanent air freshener!

Tchau!

 

I was told by an old gardener that you must spray the plants with water, preferably from a hosepipe, in order to 'set' flowers and infant beans and make sure they don't fall off. Must say it did seem to make a difference with mine.

 

Thanks, michaelmasdaisy. I'll take the hose to them this evening when the sun has gone down.

Mmmm, I can almost taste the beans already!

 

After years of mist spraying to aid pollination I've just read this in "The Vegetable and Herb Expert" by Dr. D.G. Hessayon. Pub - Expert Books 2003.

"Don't bother misting to aid pollination - it's an old wives' tale".

I've got three plants growing this year so I think I'll try spraying just one and see how pollination compares .

 

I've never sprayed and have always had plenty of beans. Would be interesting to do a trial like Dave suggests

 

I have just come in my examining my veggies and was shocked to find a six inch bean! It was only barely an inch long six days ago as the others still are. On virtually all of the stalks there is A bean, lots of "empty" stalks (no beans, no flowers) and then the flowers at the end. Either the birds are getting at them or I didn't get the flowers set in time.

I also found the culprit each my Brussels leaves .. a furry bright green catapillar only about a half an inch long!

 

I have never heard of spraying beans. I have had many crops of beans without spraying, and my Mum never sprayed when I was a child.. (only a coulpe of years ago!! )

 

got a few dwarf runner bean plants they say they are dwarf on the packet and mine are massive they have flowered and some have dropped off, we have had a lot of wind here does anyone think this could be a factor

 

Morning, Shiney, and whew! that's a lot of advice for first thing in the morning! Well, I don't get up till 9-ish and have to have my tea!

I am growing the beans up a cane trellis, really just for fun as I like the flowers. The seedback is French, Vita, and they are called Haricot d'Espangne (Judias de Espana in Spanish, Feijao de espananhol in Portuguese, fagliolino di Spagna in Italian and Spanish Beans in English!) I looked these up on the net and came up with the common runner bean, ta, da :D

I did spray as someone else had suggested, but only a couple of times. Is this to be done frequently? Other advice given was that birds tend to like the red flowered variety of bean.

In the meantime, I have more beans than I can eat because the plants went beserk and are not only on the trellis but now up and over a pergola! :eek: So, I'm okay for now.

Again, thanks for your advice .... watch this space next year! :D :D

 

Actually, Shiney, my pack shows red and white flowers but I've only had red ones. Is is alright just to dry out some of the beans for next year's sowing or do I have to do something specific with them?