broad beans won't germinate

[longpig]

I'm having trouble with my broad beans. I sowed them in pots (well, loo rolls) and left them on the windowsill of the shed and although they have all developed roots none has produced a single leaf. It's been around 3 weeks! Does anyone know what the problem might be? I've watered a bit but not excessively... Thank you!

[Bacchus]

Perhaps planted very deep?

[longpig]

Oh -- possibly. I think I just stuck them in about an inch or so but I wasn't being very accurate... Thanks for the reply.

[Jungle Jane]

Where did you get the seeds from,did you notice if any of the outer shell was cracked/damaged,have you heard of bald head/snakehead. The only other thing I can think of is a tiny insect in the soil,but I'd of thought you would notice flies etc. Planting at 1" deep is fine.

[veggiechicken]

Most of mine have roots through the bottom of the pot - none of them have broken the surface with a shoot yet.
Be patient

[longpig]

I think I got the seeds at Thompson and Morgan. I didn't notice any problems with them. But yes -- maybe I'm just being impatient! I will keep hoping for the best...

[Scarlet]

It's still very cold at the moment they will come.

[Bren In Pots]

I planted mine nearly 4 weeks ago and the last two of them are just popping their heads up above the compost, but the roots have been showing for weeks.

[Jungle Jane]

I was thinking you had stems with no leaves,didn't know there was no growth at all (above ground) sorry for the confusion longpig. Glad it's not what I said

[sparrow100]

Just be patient, I bet they are on their way. Broad beans are slow - mine are typically 21-28 days till they break the surface at home but I get 99% germination and they make for strong plants.

[Kristen]

I "chit" my Broad Bean seeds on damp kitchen paper, and then plant into pots when the root is a cm or so long. It seems an age (given that I know that the sees have definitely started germination!!) before any leaf appears and every year makes me think I have planted seeds that have failed! so I'm not surprised you have plenty of roots-first ... fingers crossed the tops are due any day now

[Knight of Albion]

If they've got roots, then the seed was/is good and there's no cause for alarm. Temperatures are not that high at the moment, quite chilly at night. Basically the plant is biding its time before putting up a tender shoot. Nature, as always, knows best.

[longpig]

Brilliant -- thank you all. I feel quite reassured!

[longpig]

Ha! I've just checked them and, lo and behold, two little green shoots have appeared!