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I know you have to pinch out the growing tips of runner beans but my veg book and the seed packet doesn't mention this for the french beans we have just bought.

We have the Cobra (climbing) variety. Would it be wise to pinch the tips off these when they reach the height of the bamboo frame like we do with runners?

Thanks.

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Sorry, Mike & Louise, I've been growing French and Runner beans for years and have NEVER pinched out the growing tips. WHY?? The growing tip is the bit that climbs up the support. If they are climbing beans they need this. Maybe if they are dwarf varieties you could pinch out to encourage sideshoots.

I have always pinched off the growing tips of runner beans when they reach the top of their support.
You pinch these off so more energy goes towards producing flowers, and hence beans.

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Read our chicken keeping and veg growing diary here:
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Veg section: Last updated on October 8 2008
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I misunderstood you, like RustyLady has. (Pinching out = you do it to make the plant bushier, like for a fuchsia). You don't pinch out French beans.

I have re-read your post, and would agree with you. Yes, I pinch off ("stop") the growing tip once the bean reaches the top of its cane.

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Yes, treat Frenchies exactly the same as runner beans with regards to pinching out the growing tip when they reach the height you want.

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