By Angiee
United Kingdom 
I BOUGHT MARSHALLS FIRESTORM RUNNERS BEAN SEED THIS YEAR, THEY ARE VERY GREEN, HEALTHY LOOKING BUT THERE ARE NO FLOWERS FOR TWO THIRDS OF THE PLANTS FROM THE GROUND. FLOWERS HAVE APPEARED ONLY ON THE TOPS AND A GREAT AMOUNT OF FLOWER BUDS HAVE APPEARED BUT NOT DEVELOPED. THEY HAVE BEEN WATERED WELL. AS THEY ARE WE WILL NOT GET MANY BEANS THIS YEAR. ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM ?
2 Aug, 2013
Answers
If the birds have been getting at Blackfly, they will have knocked the flowers off. Spray with a teaspoon of Dettol in a pint of clean water in the evening. The birds dont like the smell of it, and it attracts pollinating insects.
3 Aug, 2013
Thanks for your help
3 Aug, 2013
Mine had flowers but no set. (In spite of watering and spraying on hot days). This week a little bee has found the plants and there are now some very small beans setting, thank goodness.
3 Aug, 2013
WE HAVE LOTS OF BEES IN OUR GARDEN, AROUND LAVENDER ETC BUT THESE FIRESTORM VARIETY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SELF POLLINATING. BACK TO A MORE RELIABLE OLD VARIETY NEXT YEAR I THINK.
THANKS ANYWAY
4 Aug, 2013
Previous question
« Caterpiller? i.d Anyone know if these are caterpillers and if so which? thanks:-)
Next question
Usually the reason for flower buds not maturing is a lack of water at the roots, so I would try really soaking them, I mean REALLY soaking them! Certainly any rain we've had down south has not been anywhere near enough.
Do forgive me if you have been (bean) soaking them, but that's the most likely cause for flower failure.
2 Aug, 2013