Seeds not sprouting, why not?

[Collector]

We planted our sweet corn on May 10th, so far not one has sprouted GRRR!
We planted Blue lake pole beans on May 11th, no sprouts there also. GRR!

Not sure what is up with these seeds. we planted the extra seeds in flats indoors, and have less than a 50 percent sprout rate. Do you think we planted to early or something. has the weather been to cool for things to sprout. The seed we ordered from Gurneys we usually have good luck with seed from there.
Should we try reseeding or give it some more time or?

 

[Ridgerunner]

So it has been about a week and a half since you planted them. I find that with beans, corn, okra, certain things, if the ground is not warm mine don't sprout. They may wait until the ground warms up a bit or they may rot in the ground. This comes from someone who doesn't plant corn until my neighbor's corn is two inches tall. I can't get mine to come up that early, even though the amount of sun is the same, is facing the same direction, and is about in the same position as far as high how up the slope they are. Digits hits home when he talks about how all gardening is local. With me, that is less than a quarter mile.

How wet or dry the ground is also influences it for me. If it is real dry, they take their time. If it is real wet, they may rot in the ground. If I get a little rain but not too much, they may sprout pretty quickly.

I planted my corn Mother's Day (May 8) and it has just started coming up the last couple of days. Interestingly, three rows are coming up pretty well and three are not coming up at all. The Blue Lake pole beans I planted the same day are not showing any signs of coming up but some black turtle beans are just starting to poke through.

I got 2.7" of rain in the last 24 hours so I can't go out in the mud and check on them. I think it may still be a bit early for you, but if you wish, you can try digging down and see if you can find one sprouting. That might help you decide if you need to replant or just have patience.

 

[Collector]

Thanks Ridgeback, I was using local lore to do our planting, But it has been cool and wet this spring so I maybe should have waited a little longer. We just got a little impatient and seeded to early.

 

[thistlebloom]

Your soil is probably too cool Collector. For corn it should be around
70*, and the soil for beans should be 60-85*. Replant so you don't miss out!
I do like Ridgerunner suggested and poke around to see what's sprouted, but just because I'm impatient.

 

[lesa]

I think all these seed companies would make millions, if they could sell us all- patience!!
If your soil is not warm enough, you won't see germination until it is. I planted some cool weather seeds, way early- they just sat there until the ground warmed up...
The only danger is rotting. With all the crazy rain- if your soil doesn't drain you may have an issue.
Good luck!

 

[Collector]

Thistle, you are prolly right, it has only reached 70F twice this year so the soil is still a bit cool.

lesa,If they sold it I would by it LOL. I think I will poke around out there and see whats up, or not up which is the case here.

 

[digitS']

Collector, I reported that I was going to find the thermometer and factor in the soil temperature before planting dahlias. I did that on May 6th.

The thermometer, in the warmest part of my yard, showed that the soil temperature at about 2" was all of 46F.

I still planted the dahlias because this was only 5 cooler than their storage area, because they already had sprouts, and because those companies that sell patience hadn't located me yet.

Some corn seed is likely to go in the garden next week. I've only grown SE corn for the last umpteen years, I guess. It is supposed to have better vigor in cold soil and that class has proven a good choice.

Steve

 

[Collector]

Steve, What I SE corn can I get some at NW seed & pet ? Funny thing is we planted our extra seed into flats. Out of forty holes there are only 19 sprouts that is not very good germination rates.

 

[digitS']

Bodacious has become something of a standard. Probably, there are more recent varieties that have replaced it commercially. But, I doubt if you are likely to go wrong with it, Collector.

I'm fairly sure that NWSeed has Bodacious in bulk packets.

You aren't late in the least and Here is Wishing You the Best of Success!

Steve

SE = Sugary Enhanced

 

[wifezilla]

It has taken weeks for my beans to sprout. Still waiting on the corn. The stuff I started inside and transplanted is doing ok, but not growing fast. TODAY is the first day it has gotten over 70 around here so, while I am impatient, I am not surprised