Runner bean question

[Dumbledoresgirl]

How long does it take runner beans planted into pots and kept on the kitchen window sill to shoot? I have grown runner beans from seed before but I can't remember how long it took for them to germinate.

The ones I have now have had 8 days and there is no sign of any life. The seeds were quite old - the packet has been opened at least 2 years - but the seeds have been kept somewhere dry and dark, and the seeds are still within date.

Do I have to be patient a little longer, or do I give up on them now?

Mine were outside and took about 14 days to do anything. Don't give up on them yet.

Mine are in a warm greenhouse and are already germinating after 1 week. They do like to be warm to get started, then move them somewhere cooler. They have a tendency to rot if its too cold.

Get one out and see it its rotting or sprouting.

Am I rather late with mine then? I potted my seeds the day ds3 came home and said they had planted beans at school, but I guess the school may know nothing about when is the correct time to start things off.

I think our kitchen is quite warm - we still have our heating on!

Definitely not too late to sow runner bean seeds.

A couple of years ago the DCs and I did the growing beans in a jam jar, blotting paper and water thing in May half term. I lost interest but DH stuck them out in the garden and they went bananas producing loads, so I'm sure it's fine.

I've been having trouble with dwarf french beans this year but two days ago I popped some (along with peas, courgettes and pumpkins) in an old takeaway container on wet tissue, stuck them in my picnic bag with a hot water bottle. Was amazed to find the beans and pumpkin germinated in 24 hours. It's been 48 hours now and the beans are going into soil today.