What Would Cause My Bean Seeds Not To Grow?

Seed Viability

• Seed viability is a seed's ability to sprout and grow. All seeds lose viability over time. The longer a package of bean seeds sits before being planted, the fewer seeds will sprout. Bean seeds begin to loose viability after one year of storage under ideal conditions. Typically, bean seeds may be stored for up to three years and still maintain a good germination ratio. Improper storage can greatly reduce seed viability. In order to properly store bean seeds, place them in an airtight container and put the container In a cool, dry location.

Cold Temperatures

• Beans are sensitive to cold weather and frost and should be planted after all danger of frost has passed. The soil should be warmed above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the bean plants to germinate well. If bean seeds are planted in soil that is cool, they are in danger, not only of low-germination rates, but also from rot. Many bean seeds packaged for planting are first treated with a fungicide to prevent rot. If you plant bean seeds that have not been treated with fungicide, soil temperatures are even more important.

Rot

• Rot is caused by fungus in soil such as Rhizoctonia or Pythium. Fungus becomes active in spring when the soil is damp, particularly if the weather turns wet and cold immediately after planting. As bean seeds sprout, the fungus attacks the plant embryo. The fungus will prevent many seed sprouts from reaching the surface of the soil. The seedlings that do manage to reach the surface of the soil will suffer dieback or will be stunted. In order to prevent rot, soil should be treated with fungicide in spring before planting.

Damping Off

• Damping off is another condition caused by fungus in the soil. Damping off is caused after beans are planted when cool, wet weather is immediately followed by warm, dry weather. Bean seeds affected by damping off turn mushy and disintegrate in the soil. If the seeds do sprout, the roots will turn brown and mushy or have brown lesions on the roots. If the bean vine emerges from the seed, it will have brown lesions on the vine.