Runner Beans

[gumboil]

My runner bean seed germination has been absolutely pathetic this year. Around 80% of the seeds I've sown have failed to germinate.

I've used exactly the same sowing methods as I've used for the last 35 years. The seed varieties have been sourced from reputable mail order seed suppliers as well as neighbours who have saved seeds from last years crop.

It has not made any difference if the seeds have been sown in situ in the soil or in the greenhouse in April/May - they still fail to germinate.

What is going on?

[gumboil]

I should add that almost everyone runner bean grower I've spoken to has complained about this happening to them as well.

[Clanad]

There are a number of reasons seeds fail to germinate. I usually suspect the seeds themselves. The seed packet should have the expected germination ratio printed on it. One of my references states that the combination of planting too deeply and seeding in cold soil are probably the major causes of poor seed germination and these two factors alone, if corrected, will solve most germination problems. You may have had a cold spring an planted to early. I would expect that's not the case given your experience... on the other hand you might check to see if others in the area are experiencing the same problem. If so, I would expect weather conditions have deffinitely played a part. I would sow some of the seeds now to see if they germinate. If not, then you probably have your answer... Best of luck...

[Thunderbird+]

I'm as mystified as you on this one but to my mind, it all seems to point to a dodgy seed batch, I wonder if quality control could be to blame.

A friend of mine, who's the first to addmit he's no gardener seems to be getting 100% out of his sowings. he germinates them in 2"pots in his garage and puts them outside on the lawn during the day and plants them when big enough in anarea where the tea pot is emptied, they grow well there and the slugs stay away too.

I think tying a differant supplier may be the answer. Good Luck.

[gumboil]

Thank you all for your advice.

I can't say I've ever seen a UK seed packet with the germination ratio printed on it. Seems to me that this might put people off buying them.

It was a cold and wet Spring but I did not plant the seeds in situ until the soil had warmed up. This would also not account for the problems with the ones sown in the greenhouse.

I think the suggestion that a faulty seed batch is to blame is the best bet. I think I'll take it up with the supplier.

In the meantime, I'll have to buy more seeds!

Thank you all again.

[SHALOM]

faulty seed batch I expect. Mine are 100%. Started off in greenhouse with John Innes compost, brought out in the day when established, in at night. Out in the garden with flowers galore.

[sddsddean]

I planted 55 beans a fortnight ago today (straight to soil; not in greenhouse) and at the last count 48 have come up, with most of them already being about 7" high.

[WendyS]

Join the club! I've had exactly the same problem. My runner beans haven't germinated too badly but two varieties of climbing french bean (Blue Lake & and a purple bean) as well as climbing borlotti beans have had to be resown twice. It's influriating because it has completely wrecked my succession planning. I suspect it may have been due to the early cold weather ( I sow my early beans indoors and it may have been colder indoors too at night when the heating was off) and my later beans sown outside have suffered from too dry and hot weather. All of my seed was fresh too.