Runner Beans

iwantanallotment · « **Reply #15 on:** April 19, 2008, 22:17 »

Quote from: "Aunt Sally"

I think a great part of the art of growing Runner beans is picking them at the right time.

Must agree Aunt Sally, they're never stringy anyway if picked young enough

I'm hoping with my 2 stringless varieties that I can grow them that bit bigger without them turning 'stringy'.
Fingers crossed

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #16 on:** April 19, 2008, 22:49 »

The more you pick them the more they will flower. When the beans begin to swell in the pods it tends to slowcause the flowering to slow down. Pick them young and frequently. I pick at least every two days, but daily would be better.

CZ Silhouette · « **Reply #17 on:** April 21, 2008, 08:32 »

Sorry to hijack this post but I normally only grow one variety of bean a year. This year I’m growing two types of runners Polestar/Scarlet Emperor.
What I’d like to know is will the two varieties cross & if so will the seed be worth saving & trying the following season.

DD. · « **Reply #18 on:** April 21, 2008, 08:38 »

Quote from: "CZ Silhouette"

Sorry to hijack this post but I normally only grow one variety of bean a year. This year I’m growing two types of runners Polestar/Scarlet Emperor.
What I’d like to know is will the two varieties cross & if so will the seed be worth saving & trying the following season.

Yes they can cross, Garden Organic in their seed saving guidelines for hertitage seed recommend at least 800 meters between varieties! So even if you only grow one variety yourself, you're not safe from the neighbours. Chances are though that most will be true to type as they are self pollenating.

Regarding whether the seed are worth saving - there's only one way to find out!

BTW - you haven't hijacked the thread - it's unusually still on topic!

CZ Silhouette · « **Reply #19 on:** April 21, 2008, 08:44 »

Thanks DD.

Lynne · « **Reply #20 on:** April 21, 2008, 09:52 »

I will be growing Lady Di. My neighbour at the allotment gave me some to try last year and they were lovely.

I agree with others who have said pick them young and they won't be stringy, just lovely and tender. I love to have a bowl of steamed beans with a little butter on.

diggerjoe · « **Reply #21 on:** April 21, 2008, 10:10 »

I've overdone it as usual - got sunset and sun bright runners, climbing french Blauhilde a climbing flat pod Eden - dwarfs or vertically challenged beans

Faglio Nani and purple tepee and three others I cant remember :roll: but they are from seeds of italy - can't get enough beans - last year white lady was very good. Anyone trying those golden Mangtout peas this year?

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