[LJB12]

I planted my Aquadulce broad beans on October 21st last year, and they've grown quite nicely. They are about 5 inches high now I think. In the past couple of weeks many of the plants have developed lovely flowers on them. What does this mean - surely the beans should be higher before they start to flower?

On a couple of the plants the stems are a bit black and slimy. I am assuming this is rot, but the plants above seem healthy enough. I was going to leave them til they show signs of failing life, should I do otherwise?

Thanks in advance!

[Beetroot queen]

My broad beans always start of lovely and then comes the chocolate spot  I do always get a crop but I am sure it would be bigger if they had stayed healthy.

Not sure about the height I have never measured mine when they flower but they don't end up more than a foot for me.

[devonbarmygardener]

I would probably remove the slimy ones - they may give you a few beans in the end but I wouldn't think they'd be up to much and they might affect the healthier beans.

It might be the early sowing that's brought the early flowers - I've never been successful with overwintered broads so always plant mine in Spring now.

[seaside]

I planted my aquadulce at the back end of October as well. Mine are 18" to 2 ft tall now and have been flowering profusely for a good fortnight. Only trouble is the bees have only just made an appearance, so am waiting to see when and how many of the first flowers will turn into beans.  Over wintering beans can take  bit of a hammering, and there are often a few losses. I wouldn't worry too much about the height just yet, flowers or no flowers.

[andy dewar]

you lucky people i lost all mine apart from 3 or 4 pathetic specimens which i put down to all the snow laying and rotting them , never mind il try again come october . The plants i raised in greenhouse are looking good and have really taken off since planting out , no flowers yet though 

[Beetroot queen]

you lucky people i lost all mine apart from 3 or 4 pathetic specimens which i put down to all the snow laying and rotting them , never mind il try again come october . The plants i raised in greenhouse are looking good and have really taken off since planting out , no flowers yet though 

I know we are into may but they are quick and it was one on the veg list last month, maybe worth a try.

[GrannieAnnie]

I never bother with overwintering my broad beans.  I planted mine in March in my bubbled GH.  they are now in the coldframe, about 6 inches high and flowering.  Must get them in soon!!

[Handy Andi]

I'm so glad I read this thread! I planted mine out about 6 weeks ago , protected with homemade cloches made out of plastic pop bottles. They're about a foot tall or so and most have several flowers on 'em. I'm sure they were taller last year before they flowered, and had thought I'd lefty the cloches on for too long!

 I feel a lot better now