On Jun 13, 3:24*pm, "Bob Hobden" wrote:
"Judith in France" *wrote ...I had some runner beans which I brough from England. *Only 2 have
germinated, I dug down and the rest have all rotted away! *I bought
some French runner beans here yesterday, put them on wet kitchen roll
and I will leave them like that until they germinate and then plant,
has anyone else had a failure this year?

Due to am impending trip to SW France we planted our beans in situ out on
the allotment. Have had problems with White Runners (White Lady, 2 from 12)
and Climbing French Beans (Cobra, again 2 from 12).
The Red Runners all came up and so did all but 3 of the Borlotti.
Planted again and am keeping them in the greenhouse so they stay warm and
damp, got 2 more White Lady so far.

The Red runners and Borlotti were fresh seed!
--
Regards
Bob Hobden
just W. of London

Where in SW France Bob? I will take the good advice given here and
start them off in pots next time.

Judith