I tend to pull off the pods below the flower. I hold the flower head and pull the pod downwards to harvest them.

Hope this helps
Thanks
Tracey

I have to say it was a pleasant surprise for me as well with the lovely colour of the flowers. I only started growing mange tout last year where I grew a dwarf variety which had nice white flowers and a good crop. This year I choose Weggisser from the Organic Gardening Catalogue simply because it was an organic variety and I’m trying to stick to organic seed where-ever possible this year.

I had no idea what delight it would be to see the flowers, I would also recommend the variety for a heavy crop. I haven’t got many plants in my plot but the mange tout are certainly coming thick and fast! I would definitely grow it again next year.

I think mange tout are the same as other beans like runners where there is one bean to one flower, so picking the old flower head will not encourage another bean to grow in its place. As the flower head is very delicate I find when I pick the beans the head comes off as well.

I haven’t heard of the cutting back for a second season, so I’m not sure. I do know that mange tout is known for being a lot of hard work for a little crop but I find that there’s more to mange tout than just the crop as I simply love the flowers of the variety I have grown this year Weggisser. The tall stems and flowers look lovely in the vegetable garden, a little touch of cottage garden amongst my vegetables.

Also, i’ve heard that some beans can be cut back to encourage a second season – does this work with mangetout also?

Thanks for your lovely comments. I’m glad you like my posts, I like writing them! I post quite regularly, every other day in fact, so there will be plenty more posts for you to read. Thanks again,
Best Wishes
Tracey