How reliable are last years Runner Bean Seeds

nwalch · « **on:** May 30, 2008, 21:30 »

and peas from 2005.

I planted some runner bean seed (White Lady) from last year and peas (Celebration) from 2005 about 10 days ago but no signs of life yet. Am I being impatient or should I go and buy some fresh seed.

Ice · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2008, 21:35 »

I did the same and it really depends how you have stored them. A few beans did not germinate but enough did.

I did have a sneaky look and very carefully removed some of the soil to discover what had not germinated.

muntjac · « **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2008, 22:51 »

very ,,,, thats what ya buy from the seed suppliers

peas id bin them

fletch · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2008, 23:50 »

I sowed 2 runner seeds that I harvested from last year. They were left in the greenhouse all winter and I only sowed them out of curiosity.
Both have germinated and produced 2 healthy plants.

blackbob · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2008, 00:01 »

i always save my seeds bought or homegrown in a platic tub in the spare fridge.
never had any probs regarding germination

nwalch · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2008, 07:46 »

these are commercially bought seeds from last year (2005 for the peas) rather than seeds saved from last years crop.

GrannieAnnie · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2008, 17:07 »

I bought a packet of runner bean seeds that lasted me 3 years because I was saving my own as well. there's no reason why they shouldn't grow for you.

Peas are probably a bit iffy after this time, but I'm no expert.

Diggerpete · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2008, 19:54 »

I saved some seeds from last years crop to sow this year. I sowed 30 seeds and not 1 came up. I guess i'm just unlucky.

gobs · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2008, 21:13 »

Quote from: "Diggerpete"

I saved some seeds from last years crop to sow this year. I sowed 30 seeds and not 1 came up. I guess i'm just unlucky.

Is that indoors, Pete? If so, they need be really ripe to work, last season being as it was, that might be a problem. Make sure they are ripe and dry for storing.

iwantanallotment · « **Reply #9 on:** June 01, 2008, 00:14 »

How do you recommend harvesting/storing beans to save for sowing, gobs?
Or is there an idiot-proof guide you can point out?
Thanks....and sorry for jumping in on your thread, nwalch.

gobs · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2008, 08:14 »

I store all my seeds in biscuit tins in a cool room, dried beans store well in plastic containers too.

Harvest in dry weather, when plants are dry and pods are brittle and brownish at this stage they start to open and release the beans.

Saves a lot of possible mold and rot to dry the whole plant in a shed, garage, away from autumn dampness.

fluffybunny · « **Reply #11 on:** June 01, 2008, 10:01 »

I soaked last year's seeds for 24 hours before planting and every one of them germinated - they are now growing really well, far better than the mini plants my parents also bought me

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