Bush beans germinate within 10 to 30 days, depending on the temperature and sowing depth. Below you can find out which conditions favor the germination of French beans and how you can harvest earlier.
Under optimal conditions, beans need about 10 days to germinate
Optimal conditions for the germination of bush beans
Bush beans are very sensitive to cold and should never be sown outdoors before May. To germinate you need:
- at least 8°C soil temperature
- at least 12°C air temperature
- loose, moist soil
- Sun
- as little wind as possible
The bush beans germinate at a soil temperature of just 8°C, but it can take up to 30 days before you see the first seedlings.
The warmer it is, the faster the French beans will germinate. A soil temperature of 20°C is ideal. In this case, a germination time of only 10 days, possibly even less, would be expected. The warmer the soil when sowing, the larger the harvest will be, which is why it is advisable not to sow French beans until June or July. In addition, the plants are more resistant to pest infestation.
If you don't quite trust the climate and want to be on the safe side, you can grow your bush beans at home.
Prefer bush beans
Bush beans can be grown in several ways:
- on the windowsill
- in the greenhouse
- in the cold frame
To grow French beans at home, sow the beans in seed trays or place the seeds on damp cotton wool in a long, flat container. Then stretch cling film over the beans. Make sure that the substrate or cotton wool never dry out.
tips
French beans thrive in raised beds because the soil temperature is higher here. You can find out how to grow your French beans in a raised bed here.