"I don't understand why beans are classified into different genera (vicia, vigna, glycine, etc.) but I'm sure there's a reason." The fundamental reason is in their genetic differences. In the past, differences in outward physical characteristics were relied on to classify them. Then chromosomes counts were used and now DNA mapping is available. Two things affect their propensity for crossing or their lack thereof. One is genetics. The other is structure. Interspecific or even intergeneric crosses are possible with some plants. How likely it is depends on how closely they are related. It isn't a major consideration with beans. Crossing between different varieties of the same species is what concerns us most with beans. The probability of that happening depends on both genetics and structure, if I understand it correctly. Beans are said to be inbreeding rather than outcrossing, which means that they are self fertile (a genetic trait) and their flower structure inhibits pollinators from depositing "foreign" pollen. Tomatoes are another inbreeding crop. Squash is an example of an outcrossing crop. For reasons I can't explain, the ability of beans to be cross-pollinated varies according to species. Different varieties of common beans are relatively unlikely to cross. Varieties of lima bean are more likely to cross. I don't know about others. I hope I've stated this correctly. Please let me know if I haven't. Jim

Earlier this fall I went to the "Rock Spray" web page to place an order that I had missed placing last spring. There was the same note about a new web site coming soon and still no way to place an order on line so I called the phone number given and when a recording promised they would get back to me I assumed they would, unfortunately I never heard from them so I went ahead and placed my order with "Heath and Heathers Nursery" in Shelton WashingtonÂyes the shipping was killer but the quality and variety of plant material was fabulous. The customer service was above and beyond with personal email contact regarding plant size and choice. As wonderful as Heath and Heathers Nursery is Rock Spray would be sorely missed as a quality nursery of Heath and Heathers does anyone know what might be happening with them? Plant Material from Heath and Heathers Nursery

So, is a good rule of them that self-pollinating species are generally safe, whereas insect/wind-pollinated species require extra attention? Generally, that's true. But growing only self-pollinating vegetables really limits you in what vegetables you can grow. It limits you to only using heirloom (open-pollinated), self-pollinating vegetables and well-stabilized older hybrids. It won't keep some newer hybrid things from reverting even if they are self-pollinating. In other words, if you grow a newer hybrid variety of tomato or squash that hasn't been around for years and is well-stabilized the seeds from that tomato or squash may revert the following year regardless of any cross-pollination that may or may not have taken place. Follow me? From Mother Earth News "The easiest way for the beginning seed grower to avoid [cross pollination problems] is to concentrate on self-pollinating vegetables - such as lettuce, okra, beans, peas, and tomatoes - which have flowers designed in ways that discourage or prohibit fertilization by other plants. (Peas and tomatoes, for example, have already pollinated themselves by the time the flowers open!) Still, to restrict your efforts to these plants is to miss out on much of the fun, challenge and satisfaction of growing your own seeds." And bagging a couple of blooms and hand pollinating them is really quite simple to do and takes only a few minutes. There is a FAQ on how to do here at GW. Had your Dad done that you wouldn't be scarred for life. ;) Help or make it more confusing? Dave

I have a deep magenta color and the yellow and lite pink version if anyone wants some seeds. I also put a mixed portion together - I cut all the seed pods and put them in one bag. It would be a surprise when they come up. :) I will pay the postage. I have old postage stamps from 19 years ago and am trying to use them up so postage is on me. Just email me your address and I will get them out to you. I live in Dallas. Happy Gardening This post was edited by Gretchen7 on Wed, Jul 23, 14 at 12:14