Last years runner bean seeds

I had some great plants last year and saved the seeds. My father in law says that I should put the seeds in water before planting them to see which ones are likely to germinate. Do I need to leave them in water or soak them and then leave them to dry?

 

Hi Sterile,

What I think your Father In Law is trying to suggest is to pop the bean seeds into a water, and wait until there is signs of germination. You will notice that they start to crack and a small shoot will pop out from the sides of the seeds. Keep replacing the water every day or so to make sure it doesnt do smelly. By doing this, you will see if the seeds are viable (will germinate) or not.

After they have germinated, you cannot dry them again... they need planting right away at the appropriate depth.

It is not the right time of year for planting beans right now though and I think its generally recommended to sow them a week before the last frost date in your area, however, if the seeds have already been germinated in water, I would wait until past the last frost date as they will already be slightly ahead of ungerminated seeds

Providing the seeds were collected at the correct time last year, there is no reason why you shouldnt have viable seeds for this year.

Hope this helps

- Luke -