In article , Amber Ormerod
writes



I am really thinking these might be broad beans cos of the fact that when
tiny tiny they look rounded but as soon as they are the size of even small
green/french beans they are flatter. The position of the beans in the pod
also make me think broad.

Broad beans don't change their proportions as they grow, they merely get
bumpier. They start by sticking upwards, and when ready for picking turn
downwards.

Are immature broad bean pods eatable like those flat beans you get also
called yard long beans?

French beans have mid-green leaves and grow to about a foot (or climb to
5' plus). Pods rarely get above 1/2 inch across.


The french beans I planted were dwarf. I planted broad beans and dwarf
french but only one type of plant is there now and they are at least 6 foot
tall.

I've never known a broad bean grow remotely near 6 ft.

the leaf colour and texture should clinch it - broad bean leaves are
smooth and greyish; french bean leaves are rough and green.

Also look at the stems - broad bean stems are self supporting, about
half an inch thick and square, and the same colour as the leaves. French
bean stems are thin and brownish.


--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"