Enorma Runner bean flowers droping off ?

[Minty]

Hi Everybod. Another newbie question im afraid........ sorry.

I am losing about a third of potential beans due to the flowers dropping off. Is this normal and is there anyway to reduce the loss, Thanks Minty

[Hazel at the Hill]

Hi Minty! I believe that the answers are Yes, and, you can try spraying the flowers with plain water in order to encourage them to set.

However, I think that these things sort themselves out in time, and the flowers will start to set on their own in due course. Personally, I wouldn't worry unless you're only growing - like - one runner bean plant as you will have PLENTY when they get going!

As a first timer myself, however, I am sure that if I am talking a load of old nonsense, a clever grape will be sure to tell us both what is right!

[Flummery]

They are notorious for being slow to start Minty. Once they start to set, as Hazel said, they'll be coming out your ears.

[Sebbster]

Minty, mine initially dropped off, I put it down to weather. Just made sure I sprayed them and fed them. I now have some pods setting but only just.

Runners will correct themselves and you'll have a freezer full

[valmarg]

The other think to watch out for is sparrows. For some reason they just love to peck off the flowers of the red flowered varieties.

valmarg