The Effects of Sunlight on Bean Plants

Germination

• Soil temperature needs to be at 60 degrees F or warmer for a bean seed to start growing. Enough sunlight needs to be present to consistently keep the soil at an adequate temperature for an extended time.

Emerging Plant

• As the root system begins to anchor the new plant and draw nutrients from the soil, a shoot pokes above ground and the first leaves emerge to draw sunlight necessary for continued growth.

Photosynthesis

• Bean leaves use heat and light from the sun for photosynthesis, which converts sunlight into sugars and other organic matter the plant needs to stay alive.

Amount

• Bean plants like full sun, at least six hours a day, to grow and produce to their full potential.

Other Factors

• Well-drained, fertilized soil that is kept moist is also ideal for growing beans. The planting location should change each year to help avoid diseases in the soil.