Are there any beans that will likely germinate in under 5 days when placed in soil?

Question

If so, what are they and how quickly do they germinate?

Also, do you need to soak them overnight?

I'm doing an experiment on how ph level of water treatment given affects germination. Experiment needs to be finished on Sept 2nd, so I need something VERY fast.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Here's the results of an experiment using Kidney beans.  The larger the bean, the quicker they germinated. Some of the larger beans germinated on the second day! Scroll down the page for the chart:

http://www.selah.k12.wa.us/SOAR/SciProj2...

Make sure you soak them the night before you do your experiment."Bean seeds soaked overnight ...The intent of soaking is to speed germination. It makes a definite difference with the beans..."

http://www.msnucleus.org/membership/html...

Make sure that the temperature is warm enough for quick germination:

"With beans, you will only have around 1% germinate below 50º...

and as much as 97%   at 70º.

How long it takes seeds to germinate can be greatly influenced by the temperature."

When working with seeds, remember they germinate best at a high humidity. An easy way to provide the needed humidity is to cover the seed tray or pots with plastic-wrap or a humidity dome. Be sure to remove it once the seeds germinate. "

Make sure you're using beans that are not too old. Check the package for the date to make sure they're still viable.

http://www.bachmans.com/tipsheets/genera...

Here's a video on how to make a neat seed germinator. (Click on the video on the left). If you plant in soil, you'll miss out on seeing the roots developing... so this is another option that lets you see more of the action involved in the germination process.    :)

http://www.schoolgardenweekly.com/2007/1...

Videos on germination of seeds:

In this time lapse video, the larger seeds germinated first:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eelwEB4Z1...

How to germinate seeds on paper towels:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To2DlJwEr...

Time lapse videos of the germination of seeds :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbyImpvrO...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDN0yAFcQ...

"Morning Glory (center) and Pole Bean (sides) seeds germinating and sprouting on a windowsill...

the bean seeds have been producing roots like mad, and push their way out of the ground after few days. After that, it's a mad dash for the sun.":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gImHfOJ9e...

Good luck with your experiment!

Answer 2

Soak them overnight; they'll sprout MUCH faster.  Water with salt in it will speed up the process; don't LEAVE them in the salt water after they've sprouted, however.

Answer 3

All seeds benefit from a pre soak. I suppose Marijuana is out of the equation, as it germinates quickly.