Broad Bean Planting Advise

[girl47]

I planted (in pots ) Aquadulce Broad Beans two weeks ago - nothing has 'happened' yet??? Is this normal - what should I be doing? Planting /growing Advise please. First time grower.

[MaureenHall]

I think November is supposed to be broad bean sowing time, though I'm certainly no expert on this I've collected some seeds this year and just this morning put 5 into modules to see what (if anything) happens. Germination time is supposed to be 7 to 14 days, but I expect this can be longer at this time of year. I'm keeping mine indoors for now.

[snuffer]

I always plant Aquadulce broad beans in November. I plant straight into the ground but also plant some extra in pots that I use to fill in any gaps in the rows. It can be quite a while between planting and seeing anything above ground. I remember the first time I grew autumn sown broad beans I was rather sceptical about their ability to withstand frosts but boy oh boy they really are a hardy crop. I have seen them looking very sorry for themselves after a hard frost but as soon as it warms up a little they soon perk up and look the picture of health. If you like broad beans (and I love them) they are deffinately worth the effort giving a usable crop about a month before the spring sown beans.

[girl47]

I have them in a plastic mini green house. I had intended to get them germinated, then plant out by 1st week in Nov.

Any ideas if not germinated within 2 weeks is this ok / normal?

[pigletwillie]

Mmmm,

I have grown autumn planted broadies and have found them to come on stream only a week or two earlier than the ones I sow in March. The spring sown ones also crop much more heavily than the autumn sown ones so now I never bother with them (autumn ones).

If you want to try them, now is an ideal time so they can set good roots before any cold weather comes along.

[ChrisB]

I was talking to a chap today who said he had to go and buy some Aquadulce to plant.

He then told me they had to be planted on 24th November at 4 p.m.

Now I know some people swear by planting on a given day but a specific time!!

I pointed out that he would probably be outside planting in the pitch black at that time of the year

I'm still not sure whether he was pulling my leg about the time

[Two_Sheds]

I planted (in pots ) Aquadulce Broad Beans two weeks ago - nothing has 'happened' yet

just make sure you don't over-water and rot them.

[Snadger]

I was talking to a chap today who said he had to go and buy some Aquadulce to plant.

He then told me they had to be planted on 24th November at 4 p.m.

Now I know some people swear by planting on a given day but a specific time!!

I pointed out that he would probably be outside planting in the pitch black at that time of the year

I'm still not sure whether he was pulling my leg about the time

Could he possibly be adopting a 'Moon' planting regime!

[Snadger]

I must admit I always plant some broadies in the Autumn and I usually get stronger plants which seem to have less problems with chocolate spot,rmildew and blackfly!

Doesn't have to be Aqualunce either as my red seeded epicure self saved seeds seem to do well set in autumn.

This year I'm also trying growing a dwarf variety with crimson flowers indoors as an experiment.

[Kayt]

According to my Dad (he's 83 and gardened all his life) you plant Broad Beans on Bonfire Night, or there abouts. The reason he gave was that then the plants aren't too big if there are strong winds so they don't get damaged. It's always worked for him and for me last year so am ready with my seeds!!

[Snadger]

According to my Dad (he's 83 and gardened all his life) you plant Broad Beans on Bonfire Night, or there abouts. The reason he gave was that then the plants aren't too big if there are strong winds so they don't get damaged. It's always worked for him and for me last year so am ready with my seeds!!

Good avice Kayt and an easily remembered date, but I just wonder would this work as well in ALL parts of the British Isles?

[BrideXIII]

well I checked inside the mini today, and the broad beans are up, 15 days from planting, peas are doing well too, and I have moved the garlic out into the main part of the greenhouse as they are now five inches tall! and need for the frost to get at them a bit.
my broad beans are suttons.

mum said my Dad always planted them now, something to do with less vunerable to the dreaded blackfly.

[daylily]

I have them in a plastic mini green house. I had intended to get them germinated, then plant out by 1st week in Nov.

Any ideas if not germinated within 2 weeks is this ok / normal?

Not really normal. They can take much longer in a colder environment but in the incubator? I'd have a looky in a few pots.

I'd advise you abort your system though and either sow direct outdoors or do what your are doing in the new year. You are growing your plants in a better climate than what they are going to face going out later in the year, they can get ruined by the weather.

[Kayt]

Good avice Kayt and an easily remembered date, but I just wonder would this work as well in ALL parts of the British Isles?

Good point Snadger. We do tend to have it a bit easier in the South and as I'm very near the coast we don't seem to get a lot of frost, only the winds off the Channel. When I talk planting and sowing with Dad he seems to give most times around 'events'. I assume he's always done it, I've just never noticed until now that I'm growing my own. Looks like a few more 'greenhouse' chats are called for so I get this right