I am growing runner beans in pots filled with compost. the flowers are falling off without leaving pods: why?

Question

I have grown them successfully in the in the past using the same method . please could someone give me some advise

Answer 1

That's odd if you've done it before and the same way. My only suggestion is that the soil is not right. It either has too much or not enough of something. Beans don't usually require really good soil to grow well. This site has an explanation for non-setting beans.http://www.which.co.uk/files/application/pdf/French%20&%20Runner%20Bean%20Problems%20343-445-92665.pdf

Answer 2

I noticed some of the bottom flowers seem to fall off and at times the wind will shake a few off, but in time if their are bees about they will start setting. Some spray a mixture of sugar and water but I have never had to do this. Hope you get a crop in the end.

Answer 3

if the flowers that are falling are the first flowers to form on the plants then that is quite a common problem with runner beans. it usualy corrects itself on the next flush of beans. there have been many reasons given such as bees biting the back of the flowers to drout and cold conditions but none have been proved, it still remains a bit of a mistary.

Answer 4

did you use the same soil as last year's crop? it could be that it's pH balance is off or the nutrient level is off in part of the nutrient spectrum.

with container growing, it could be a number of things.. too high/low a pH could cause problems. Too high or low a moisture content could be a problem. Lack or abundance of any given micronutrient could be a problem. The lack would lead to starvation and abundance could cause toxicity. From what you describe, one would probably better assume that it's starvation over toxicity.

If we assume it's starvation, you'll need to fertilize. Something water soluble (like miracle gro) would probably benefit your circumstance.

Good luck.

Answer 5

The flowers need a high level of humidity to set seed. Try spraying the plant with a fine mist twice a day if it has not rained.

Answer 6

It's been very dry - around my area of the Country anyway - runner beans like plenty of water, but don't drown them. When the weather is hot, spray the blossoms and they are less likely to be dropped.

Answer 7

Your compost may be too rich for the plants. I have fertilized vegetables too enthusiastically (I use cowlot "dirt"), and this results in very happy greenery and no vegetables. Mixing "regular" dirt with the compost may help.

Answer 8

i plant it all the time my ones have pods on them as i speak lots of water every day and spray the leaves when you see the pod take off all thw white leaves of the flower

Answer 9

dont use just compost; use some fertile soil as well. also the time from flowers to fruit can take a while so be patient

Answer 10

my only answer would be water, either not enough or too much