Broad Bean Germination

Temperature

• The annual plants thrive under cool and moist conditions and are best planted during early spring. The plants are hardy to 21 degrees F and are well tolerant of spring frosts. Germination occurs best at soil temperatures of 50 degrees F. With adequate moisture, germination of seed occurs within 2 weeks of planting. Broad bean plants are intolerant of dry and hot weather conditions. High temperature are especially damaging at the flowering stage.

Soil

• Planting the seed in proper soil is also important for effective germination. Broad beans grow best in well-drained, clay loam or heavy silt. Germination and plant growth is also good in moist, sandy soil. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers since the legume has the ability to fix soil nitrogen for consumption. Do not plant in overly wet sites or in areas with standing water. Adequate moisture is especially critical until healthy seedling establishment.

Weeds

• Controlling weeds prior to seeding and throughout the growth of plants is essential as broad beans compete poorly with weeds. Newly germinated seedlings are especially prone to damage from uncontrolled weeds that start to compete for nutrients and moisture. Choose areas with few weeds and clear any existing weeds with mechanical or chemical control strategies well ahead of planting.

Seeding

• Seed at the recommended rates and at right depths to promote effective germination. Broad bean seeds are sensitive to dry soil. The necessary planting depth is 2 ½ to 4 inches, recommends the Purdue Cooperative Extension. This assures that the seeds will not dry out. Space seeds 3 to 6 inches apart with at least 2 feet between rows. The beans are ready to harvest when pods are green and thick with plump seeds.