Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Aquadulce Broad beans - what a flop.

Collapse

X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 3
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous 1 2 3 template Next
  • #1

    Aquadulce Broad beans - what a flop.

    I just picked my first season's crop of Aquadulce - what a disappointment!
    Seemed to be loads of large pods on plants over 1m tall, in raised beds, but when I opened them all had really thick pods and about half the pods were empty.
    Last year I used a variety called Stereo and they were much better IMO. I thought Aquadulce were supposed to be prolific heavy croppers.
    Not for me down in Surrey this year they ain't.
    Now I don't know whether to persevere and get another bunch of empties or get some Frenchies underway in the greenhouse and pull the BB's out when the FB's are ready. ('cos the snails had me french b's at the same time as they had a midnight feast with my runners).
    Grrrr...
    Last edited by Ricardo; 05-07-2011, 04:29 PM. Reason: forgot something.
    Tags: aquadulce broad beans
  • #2
    Sorry to hear that Ricardo. Weirdly I've had my best year year ever for Aquadulce bbs. Dunno if it's the strange spring weather but I've been picking well-filled pods for a month now. Are Stereo an overwintering type or do you sow in Feb?
    Would suggest you now follow with something you know to be reliable - that way you'll forget the disappointment more quickly...
    come visit a garden
    or read about mine www.suburbanvegplot.blogspot.com/

    Comment

    • #3
      I had a great crop of Aques myself, but I did sow in November... they suffered in the hot dry April/May we had, the last few pods were empty, as you say
      All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

      Comment

      • #4
        I have had a great crop from the Aquadulce, so can't be the variety. Got lots of pods full of nice beans and hardly any blackfly on them which killed them all off last year,but have had the same problem as you with my dwarf french beans,they are munched on by snails and slugs every night!! Keep sticking in more seeds but think the snails are just watching me and saying thanks!!

        Comment

        • #5
          ^ yep, they love the low growing French beans. They've had every African marigold I've planted this year, but they still want more
          Greedy little blighters
          All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

          Comment

          • #6
            Originally posted by perkin View Post
            Would suggest you now follow with something you know to be reliable - that way you'll forget the disappointment more quickly...
            - They were supposed to be the reliable ones!
            back to the drawing board as they say.

            Comment

            • #7
              I have some of these this year. When do you think would be a good time for them to go in, and what do you normally pop them in after? Would the onion bed be ok?
              We're the Sweeney, son - and we haven't had any dinner.

              Comment

              • #8
                That reminds me - I've got a bucket of these that need depodding and freezing......sorry Ricardo.

                Arthur - I sowed some a few weeks ago and they are 6 inches tall already. Will be sowing another batch soon - and they will be cloched as the weather cools to see if I can get a late crop.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Hi Zazen - I was hoping to do the overwintering thing so I can get a headstart next year?

                  I am clueless about timings yet.
                  We're the Sweeney, son - and we haven't had any dinner.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    September-October according to realseeds (I just bought some to try and overwinter them too).

                    Broad Bean Seed

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      sorry to hear that - I had the same problem with them last year - thought it was just me.
                      I've grown a variety called dreadnought this year - what a difference!! I've picked over 10 lbs already and loads more to come. Even the smaller pods are full and solid. I do tend to pick a bit smaller than most - just that I prefer them like that.
                      Would definately recommended this variety - got them from Kings.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re BB - I'm quite keen to try these ones
                        Seeds of Italy - BROAD BEAN LUNGA DELLE CASCINE 1KG. UK ONLY.

                        However, they only supply in 1kg packs for £15!
                        Would others be interested e.g. if I bought a pack then sold smaller quantities? I'd put up another thread and collect names & emails from those interested
                        (Moderators - please remove this message if I am breaking any rules!)

                        thanks
                        Last edited by salilah; 06-07-2011, 10:18 AM.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Aquadulce can be a bit here or there from a spring sowing in my experience. However, from an Autumn sowing Mid October round here I've had good results . My favourite variety for spring sowing is The Sutton, small plants, loads of pods with good beans in, nice sized beans and on our plot very reliable.
                          Plot06, Rochdale

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Originally posted by salilah View Post
                            they only supply in 1kg packs for £15!
                            Why? That seems silly
                            All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Arthur Pounder View Post
                              I was hoping to do the overwintering thing
                              Originally posted by chrismarks View Post
                              September-October according to realseeds
                              In my experience that's too early. You want them to be quite small going into winter, as any tall floppy growth will just get destroyed in the winter gales

                              I sow in November, hoping the plants are only about 4" tall before winter closes in
                              If you're further north than me you could bring this forward by a week or two I suppose
                              All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

                              Comment

                              Previous 1 2 3 template Next

                              Latest Topics

                              Collapse
                              View All

                              Recent Blog Posts

                              Collapse
                              View All
                              Working...
                              X