Runner Beans in Canada

[Northerner]

I got some runner beans at Seedy Saturday and I am very anxious to get started, but I am not sure about the right temperature. I've been told that I should plant them in situ, but it's still cold here - about 10 degrees celcius, and quite dry. Is this too cold? What is a reasonable temperature?
Northerner.

[NZG]

Grass doesn't grow at 10ºc (it starts growing at 12ºc) so your seeds wont grow either.

I would plant them out once weather has reached at least 15ºc minimum.

HTH.

[opabinia51]

Where abouts in Canada are you located? I've planted my runner beans as early as april and they've always been fine. Ten degree does seem a little cool though.


The soil should be a minimum of 65 F or 17 degrees C for germination. You may want to plant your seeds and lay some plastic over the soil to warm the soil up a bit. You can also buy those little greenhouses at London Drugs or just builed them yourself with some 1X2's and some plastic.

[The Helpful Gardener]

Opa I feel that your fair city is an exception to the brutality that Winter visits on the rest of your countrymen...

That said, put them in the ground. They'll sit as seeds, but that's what seeds do. As SOON as things are ready, they'll take off...

Scott

[opabinia51]

Hence the reason why I asked where in Canada the person was from.


Once the weather warms up, and if you should find that your seeds have not germinated. Dig the soil up to see if the seeds have rotted. This can be a problem sometimes. Peas will germinate at cool temperatures and actually prefer cool temperatures. Whereas beans prefer warm temperatures and will germinate with a higher success rate at the latter part of the temperature scale that I gave you.

[The Helpful Gardener]

I'd be suprised if they'd rot now, but it's still good advice (as usual)

HG