broad beans, runner beans

[spud57]

Hi all
Have planted some seeds of broad beans and runner beans inmodular seed tray and left in a unheated greenhouse. we planted them a week into february and they still have not germinated. should we have pre-soaked them first, or what else is the problem. any help greatly appreciated

[Hazel at the Hill]

My two lots of broadies took 9 days and 13 days respectively to show, Spud, and that was in the attic room, so I think that you just need to be patient!

[Flummery]

My broadies in the unheated greenhouse took quite a long time. Don't worry. I think it's a bit early for runners though. They can't go outside till after the frosts. I sow climbing beans under glass about mid April. They'll get seriously big and leggy from an early sowing by mid May when they can be put out.

[sewer rat]

Broad beans are not the quickest to germinate so I wouldn't worry unduly about them not appearing just yet. If you stil feel you want to know if they are okay, just scrape the compost away from one and see if there are any signs of development.
I would say that perhaps you are a bit too early with your Runner beans, unless you intend to grow them to maturity under cover.
Whilst many seeds may be brought on earlier in greenhouses, windowsills, tunnels etc, if you are too early, they will start to flower before there are sufficient (if any) pollinating insects about, so your yield will be significantly reduced.

[Snadger]

Depending on varieties the broadies shouldn't need any heat but the runner beans need a bit of warmth for germination!

[spud57]

thanks for the advice, has saved me sowing another batch thinking the first lot were no good. might have to sow another set of runners later on tho

[spud57]

i have two broad beans that have just sprouted, looks like they will be ok after all

[deezyb]

yeah broad beans seems to be slow, i had two sprouted out of 6 on my windowsill, came home today and another 3 have appeared! patience i guess!

[lottielady]

My broad beans in the mini greenhouse took ages to pop up I thought they were duff but they have started to show now

[shirlthegirl43]

Hmm, reading this I wonder if I should bring mine into the house to germinate then put them in the greenhouse.

[roitelet]

I germinate mine in the house just to give them a kick start, and put them in the cold frame as soon as they pop up.

[lottielady]

Once the beans have grown a little in the greenhouse do they need to be hardened off before going outside or are they tough enough to go straight out

[Cutecumber]

The greenhouse gives them quite a lot of protection, not just in terms of temperature but also from the wind. Although broad beans (I am talking the most hardy types, here) are pretty tough, I still harden mine off. The milder it is, the quicker the hardening off can be, but you must still pay close attention to the weather. They key is to reduce the shock they receive and therefore any check in growth.

[Flummery]

I'd harden off too - a week or so going out in the fresh air in the day and back in the cold greenhouse at night. It just stops them getting a check.