[Lardman]

Suttons Dwarf.

Very poor set by the looks again this year - I've seen the bumbles going mad over them so Im a little confused. Dry pollen do you think? I might go back to aquadulce next year.

Hows everyone else getting on - or am I just a little odd for examine the plants for flower drop and mini pods 

[shokkyy]

I've been having the same thoughts on my Imperial Longpod. It's my first time growing broad beans so I wasn't quite sure whether or not it was normal, but although I can see mini pods coming there seems to be quite a lot of flowers that have dropped without leaving a mini pod behind. And like you, I've been watching the bees going nuts for them for weeks now.

[Paul Plots]

I've been watering my broad beans - something I'd not normally do but it has been so dry.

I think in order to develop pods they may well need a little extra help if it's as dry where you are as it is here. 

[JaK]

Mine don't seem great either, lovely healthy plants full of flowers and happy bee's but hardley any beans. 

[shokkyy]

I've been watering my broad beans - something I'd not normally do but it has been so dry.

I think in order to develop pods they may well need a little extra help if it's as dry where you are as it is here. 

I have been watering them, and giving them BFB once a month.

[lancashiregardeninggal]

Good growth and flowering on my Bunyards Exhibition - I have had to water though 

[Lardman]

They've been kept well watered especially during the very hot spell. The plants themselves look extremely healthy and there were flowers aplenty.  Instead of beans the flowers are dropping - I don't expect 100% set but It looks at best 1 bean per cluster with most nothing at all.

I had much the same with last years bunyards exhibition - very good looking plants but very few beans, makes me think its not the variety, which really only leaves the growing conditions.  or pollination problems.

[Goosegirl]

I grow Bunyards only but I have always found that the lower first beans drop off, then they pick up well afterwards. I think it is a pollination issue.

[mumofstig]

some of mine have little holes at the back of the flowers I think it's bees  
It's these flowers that don't set   :blink:

[azubah]

I grow Bunyards.
They were noticeably shorter than normal until the last lot of rain, but now look a lot more healthy.
There are plenty of flowers on them, but I have not noticed any setting yet. They look promising.

[Paul Plots]

some of mine have little holes at the back of the flowers I think it's bees  
It's these flowers that don't set   :blink:

Well spotted....."little holes" Personally mine could have huge big holes and I'd probably not see them although I did spot the blackfly!

Now... what is the name of the type of bee that chews a hole through the back of flowers to get at the pollen and nectar? I've forgotten.  :blink: But I do know they are responsible for lack of pollination as they don't trample about and pollinate the flower.

I think this only occurs early in the season so, hopefully, the rest should set OK.

[Endymion]

We haven't got any broad bean pods either, even though there are honey bees living next door and we've got loads of white tailed bumbles nesting in a bird box. 

[JayG]

Now... what is the name of the type of bee that chews a hole through the back of flowers to get at the pollen and nectar? I've forgotten.  :blink: But I do know they are responsible for lack of pollination as they don't trample about and pollinate the flower.

It's short-tongued bees wot do it 'cos it's the only way they can reach the nectar! 

Wot you need for beans is lots of these:           (not that you have any choice in the matter!)