Germination of Bean Seeds Without Soil

The Bean Seed

• Bean seeds consist of the embryo, the endosperm and the seed coat. The embryo is the part where the genetic information is stored. This grows into a new bean plant. The endosperm is the nutritious packing around the embryo. In beans, this part is large so it can feed the developing embryo during germination and early growth before the bean needs to be planted in soil. The seed coat is the protective layer that protects the seed until requirements for germination are met.

Germination Requirements

• The first step in the germination process requires moisture. Soaking the bean seed in water softens the seed coat, allowing moisture to penetrate. This stimulates the embryo to break dormancy and begin to grow. Beans require a temperature of 60 degrees F or above to germinate. A temperature range of 77 to 86 degrees is ideal. Soil anchors the developing bean and it provides nutrients later in development, but to get started growing, the embryo feeds exclusively on the endosperm.

Germinating Bean Seeds

• Soak bean seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. A paper towel works well to germinate bean seeds without soil. It keeps the beans damp and covered but does not block out too much light. Dampen the paper towel and fold it in half, then slide the been seeds under the fold. Keep it damp by misting the paper towel with water whenever it starts to dry out. Consistent moisture is critical during germination.

Growth Process

• Look for signs of germination in 6 to 14 days after starting the bean seeds. You will first see the bean split open slightly. A green shoot pushes out of the top of the seed and slowly unfurls. At the same time, roots begin to grow out the bottom of the seed. Once the roots start to develop, transplant the germinated bean seed into a pot with soil, or outside into the garden. Plant the bean with the roots down and the tip of the shoot visible above the soil line.