Germination of a Green Bean Plant

Preparation

• Properly germinating the green bean seed will ensure that you have healthy seedlings to transplant outdoors. The green bean seeds need moisture to grow, but too much water can halt the seed from sprouting. Moisten a paper towel with water so that it feels damp, and spread a single layer of green bean seeds over one-half of the towel. Do not allow the green bean seeds to touch. Fold the paper towel in half and then wrap another damp paper towel around it.

Care

• Wrap the paper towels securely by folding the edges over so that the air does not contact the seeds. Retaining the moisture on the paper towels will provide the seeds with the appropriate growing environment. Place the folded paper towel inside a plastic storage bag and seal it tightly to retain the moisture. Place the storage bag in a warm location away from direct sunlight.

Germination

• Green bean seeds will germinate within five to 10 days. Open the storage bag after five days and examine the green bean seeds carefully by peeking at them. Unwrapping the paper towel may disturb the seeds and they will fail to germinate. Seal the bag closed if the green bean seeds have not germinated. Let them set for another five days inside the plastic bag. Spray the paper towel with water to dampen it if the towel does not feel moist.

Transplanting

• After germinating the green bean seeds, transplant them properly so that they grow into healthy seedlings. Plant the sprouted green bean seeds into seed trays. Fill the seed trays with commercial soil and plant them so that the sprouts remain above the soil level while the bean resides under the soil. Pack the soil down around the seedling and keep the soil moist. The green bean seedlings will need light to grow, so set them next to a south-facing window in your home. Continue to grow them indoors until the threat of frost passes and they reach 3 inches tall. Transplant them outdoors in rows spaced 18 inches apart, and space the beans 4 inches apart. Water the green beans to keep the soil moist, and side dress them with a 10-10-10 fertilizer once the pods form.