Broad Bean germination problems

[runner_bean]

I am having terrible problems with germinating Aquadulce broad beans. The seeds generate good tap roots but mostly fail to produce the above-ground shoot. I have tried different sorts of seed sowing compost, and most recently even chitting, but seem to repeat the same problem. If the above ground shoot is produced in almost all cases it just rots rather than developing.
I haven't had this problem in previous years so wonder if it is a seed quality problem - but I have now tried two different packs. Any help much appreciated, particularly regarding watering and optimum temperature.

[Monika]

Runner bean, why do you want to try sowing them NOW, at the most inhospitable/un-gardening time of the year (I assume that is what you mean with your query)?
Spring sown broad beans always catch up, as I have found after many years of trying to overwinter them. So why not wait until next spring?

If you meant it as a general query, applied to spring-sown broad beans, then I might suggest that the problem is mice which will bite off the seed even after it has germinated. So you will get the roots but the top will have gone.

[LindaJane]

Hi Runner Bean, I have had this occasionally and don't know why it happens. I usually find they don't like much heat so don't use my prop bench just germinate them in the cold greenhouse. I always think it's worth doing an autumn sowing even if it fails because if they grow then I find I have broad beans a good 3-4 weeks ahead of spring sown ones. LJ

[Tony Hague]

I always sow broad bean Aquadulce (or more precisely, Fava da Orto Aguadulce, from seeds of Italy) in November, direct in the ground, with no form of protection. Probably get about 75% make it through to spring - and that's in my heavy Bedfordshire clay. Even with the sodden ground we have this year, they are looking fine so far. The one year I tried covering them with fleece it was disaster. The damp environment made blackleg worse, and the weight of snow on top of the fleece flattens everything.

Planting them in November, they produce only about a 2-3" top growth and hold there till spring, but it gives them a chance to get roots established. Why plant in autumn ? Because I want them early, rather than at the same time as all the other beans.

[Gerry]

OOOh Runner_Bean you do confuse me!! (It's not hard I must admit). I looked up temperatures for runner beans, then realised your question related to broad beans.

For BROAD BEANS:- min. temp. 1.7C
max. temp. 29.4C
optimum temp. 18.3C
and at optimum temp. emergence should be 4 days.

These details are taken from a chart which Johnboy gave me years ago.
Perhaps someone else can help with the watering details which you requested.

Regards, Gerry.

[Colin Miles]

I agree with Monika. Wait until the weather is a bit better and they will catch up with any Autumn sown ones, especially if first raised indoors.