Bean Blossom Problems: Reason For Bean Blossoms Falling Off Without Making Pods

When bean blossoms drop off without producing a pod, it can be frustrating. But, as with many things in the garden, if you understand why you are having bean blossom problems, you can work toward fixing the issue. Read on to learn more about this problem with bean plants.

Reasons for Beans with Blossoms and No Pods

Normal early season drop - Most bean plants will naturally drop some blossoms early in the season. This will pass rather quickly and soon the bean plant will produce pods. Lack of pollinators - While many bean varieties are self fertile, some are not. And even the plants that are self fertile will produce better if they have some help from pollinators. Too much fertilizer - While piling on the fertilizer may seem like a great idea, oftentimes this can cause problems, especially with beans. Bean plants that have too much nitrogen will have trouble creating pods. This will also cause the bean plants to produce fewer blossoms overall as well. High temperatures - When the temperatures go too high (normally above 85 F./29 C.), bean flowers will fall off. The high heat makes it difficult for the bean plant to keep itself alive and it will drop its blossoms. Soil is too wet - Bean plants in soil that is too wet will produce blooms but will not produce pods. The wet soil prevents the plant from taking up the right amount of nutrients from the soil and the bean plants will be unable to support the pods. Not enough water - Much like when the temperatures are too high, bean plants that receive too little water are stressed and will drop their blossoms because they must focus on keeping the mother plant alive. Not enough sunlight - Bean plants need five to seven hours of light to produce pods, and eight to 10 hours to produce pods well. A lack of sunlight could be cause by improperly locating the plants or by planting the bean plants too close together. Disease and pests - Disease and pests can weaken a bean plant. Bean plants that are weakened will focus on keeping themselves alive rather than producing bean pods.