DL

I know a lot of people soak bean seeds before planting, but there are several experts who recommend not doing that because it can break down the seed structure. cause them to split, and disease to enter the seed. I don't soak mine and believe they grow just as well. Most people soak them overnight so they'll germinate more quickly.

As for treated seed, as in all cases, it's your choice. If the treatment is beneficial, then soaking the seeds may remove that benefit.

I agree. Beans germinate quickly without soaking and soaking may cause the to split.

Jim

Thanks!! In the runner beans go without the soak.

DL

IMO, Soaking is ok, if it is not for a prolonged period to the extend that
beans will split. I just soak them in luke warm water for a few hous. The ambrio is on the outer surface and needs just a push to get going.
The rest is just protein that can be softened in the ground.

DL

I forgot to say, but the treatment for seeds is usually an antifungal agent to prevent damping off, so if you want that benefit, that's another reason to plant them as is.

I have tried soaking them and saw that they split.
I planted a row with soaked beans and a row without soaked beans at the same time and didn't gain any time to maturity.

It depends on where you live. In my part of the PNW, summer is in no hurry to arrive.

With runner beans it does not matter as much. I can put them in the ground without presprouting in mid-May and they will do fine.

With common beans, they need around 65F or warmer soil to germinate well. I may not get that until the middle of June or later.

On the other hand, they will grow well with cooler temperatures once they germinate. So I always sprout them before planting so I can plant them around June 1.

Bean seed can be placed in a Mason jar and covered with tepid water. The jar is covered with cheesecloth or similar material. After 6 hours (maximum of 8 hours), the water is poured off and the beans are rinsed and drained several times daily. The key to success is limiting the soaking time. - Dick