can any grapes tell me how long it takes for broad beans to germinate?
I have sown Red epicure in pots in an unheated greenhouse (wanted them to be strong before planting out to avoid the slugs).
But the packet did not say how long it takes for germination.
Am i right to say they will be ok in the greenhouse?
When will i plant them out? I have put a cloche over the ground where i want to plant them to warm the soil a little.

Hi Vicki Lorraine
Broad beans usually take anywhere from 7 to 14 days to germinate, though usually nearer the 7 end of the scale..

I would say about 2 weeks before they break the surface at this time of year.

...or haven't emerged after 28 days if you're me and sowed outside in the middle of Jan - just before the frost and snow.

Hi Vicki

I don't know if this helps but my broad beans were visible peaking through the soil after 11 days on my window sill. I'll plant them out under cloches when they look like they could take it.

Broad beans are hardy, but you can't put babies straight outside after they've grown used to the warm. Harden them off for a week or 2 before planting them out. My direct-sown autumn-sown Aquedulce Claudia are coming on well - the slugs had a nibble but have now left them alone. No pellets nec. They've only got a few weeks to grow before the blackfly invade ! I grow Limnanthes around them to attract hoverflies, whose larvae eat greenfly. Well that's the theory

A P.S. The year before I grew my autumn-sowings under cloches and was well impressed with how tall they were by Feb - nearly 3 foot. Unfortunately, they weren't strong enough to survive without the cloches, and collapsed at the first puff of wind. They continued to grow, albeit horizontally, but lying along the ground meant the slugs could reach them.
So now, I treat them mean and let them take their chances in the open ground.

Thanks for the tips everyone.
Planted them about 11 days ago in pots in the greenhouse and no sign of them yet. Should i bring them in the warm for a while?

Hi vicky, I am in the same position as you, sowed Aquedulce Claudia in pots in the greenhouse about 12 days ago and no signs of life as yet. Thought about having a poke around in one of the pots to see if there is any signs of germination

Also sowed parmax carrots about the same time and they haven't made an effort to show their faces either

Last year's broad beans took closer to three weeks to show their tips - they lurk in the soil for ages.

I am also going to sow the peas and bean in peat pots so the slugs dont get them was going to start them of in the green house

Yahoo my broad beans are just starting to sprout

checked mine today, they are sprouting too! planted them outside at the end of January, (aquadulce). i know it should have been autumn but i thought i'd risk it.
fingers crossed.

Originally Posted by crackapple

checked mine today, they are sprouting too! planted them outside at the end of January, (aquadulce). i know it should have been autumn but i thought i'd risk it.
fingers crossed.

You should be fine, Aquadulce can be planted in autumn or spring. Have a row of each out the back to compare them and see how much of a head start I get from planting months early.

I did follow my temptation to dig around in the pot to see what was happening. They have sent down a tap root but nothing up top yet. At least they are not dead!
now i feel a little more patient - checking everyday though just in case.!