Runner Beans, (removing the tops )

I read on a plant site that the tops of runner bean plants should be removed when the beans reach the top of the canes.
I had never heard of this before and was worried about doing it in case I checked the growth of the plants.

This year I removed the tops from 4 bean plants. This resulted in flowers growing all the way up the plants and the bean crop has been prolific.

On those plants which were left to grow the flowers grew mostly at the top of the plants as did the beans and it was not such a good crop.

Next year I will remove all the tops.

Does anyone else do this?

Re: Runner Beans, (removing the tops )

That's very interesting, an excellent tip. I've never grown anything but bush beans. I'd like to hear what others have to say.

Re: Runner Beans, (removing the tops )

Thanks Meg, I'll tell my S-I-L that tip

Re: Runner Beans, (removing the tops )

Our runner beans have just finished and we took them down yesterday. Ours grow in wigwams and we do take the tops out at about 8 feet, once they have gone up to the top. I think we have been lucky this year as we have had a really good crop from three wigwams. I think it is something to do with pollenation as this year we grew them close with the roses and other flowers. My sister-in-law always puts sunflowers in with hers and she does quite well with them.

Re: Runner Beans, (removing the tops )

This way is weird in growing runnerbeans but I have done it for the last two years and got good reslutes.


Plant like normal but with no supports, when plants grow to about a foot pinch out growing tips.

Hard on the back when picking but you get the beans a bit early and they keep on cropping.

Re: Runner Beans, (removing the tops )

That different - I've not heard of runner beans being grown like that Galty. How do you keep the beans off the soil and stop them from getting spoilt and eaten by slugs and snails. (We have a lot of slugs and snails).

Re: Runner Beans, (removing the tops )

Hi Rena I have a lavender bed near the beans which helps with pollination, I may try wigwams for a change next year or even a single long row up netting. .

Galty that's interesting if a little strange, one would think with less surface area in which to grow there would be a lot less beans. If this works I see no reason why runner beans can't be grown on short canes like dwarf beans.I am only 5' 4''and had to use a step ladder to reach my beans this year hence the interest in pinching out the tip . I don't want them too short though, I have a problem with my knee and can't bend or kneel very well.

Re: Runner Beans, (removing the tops )

Basic its that when up prick out the leader another leader starts growing which you prick out as well after a couple of times a mass of leaves are formed which keep the beans off the ground.



Think the theory behind this is if a plant is made to struggle at first to reproduce it produces a better crop.

Re: Runner Beans, (removing the tops )

I might have to have a trial run with that next year Galty - thanks

Re: Runner Beans, (removing the tops )

If you do.

Put in about 6 seeds about 2 ft apart and 2ft each side.

Make sure you nip out the leader at about a 1ft of the ground and subsequent leaders