Dry edible bean seed size varies greatly. Check to ensure the planter is calibrated properly to plant the correct number of seeds per meter of row. Adjust seeding rates for seed quality and expected germination rate, field conditions and field history. In conditions where reduced emergence is a risk, increase seeding rates by up to 10%. High-risk conditions include seeding into heavy soil, late or very early planting, deeper plantings or expected seedling loss from wireworm or seed corn maggot injury, and planting into soils susceptible to soil crusting.
Table 1, Seeding rates for white and black beans displays the seeding rates for white and black beans according to row width. General seeding rate guidelines for coloured beans are shown in Table 2, Seeding rate for large-seeded coloured bean.
The average desired plant stand for adzuki beans is 210,000 – 222,500 plants/ha (85,000–90,000 plants/acre), and for otebo is 173,000 plants/ha (70,000 plants/acre). Consult the seed supplier for more specific information on seeding rates for the various classes. Seeding rates may also depend on the type of equipment used for planting.
Table 1. Seeding rates for white and black beans
| Number of Seeds | 36cm (14.5″) row 10-13 seeds/m of row (3-4 seeds/ft of row) Seeding rate: 369,000 viable seeds/ha (150,000 seeds/acre) |
53cm (21″) row 11.5-15 seeds/m of row (3.5-4.5 seeds/ft of row) Seeding rate: 272,000 viable seeds/ha (110,000 seeds/acre) |
76cm (30″) row 15-16 seeds/m of row (4.5-5.0 seeds/ft of row) Seeding rate: 222,000 viable seeds/ha (90,000 seeds/acre) |
| 4,500-5,000 seeds/kg (2,000-2,300 seeds/lb) | 72-83 kg/ha | 54-62 kg/ha | 42-48 kg/ha |
| 5,000-5,500 seeds/kg (2,300-2,500 seeds/lb) | 66-72 kg/ha | 50-54 kg/ha | 38-42 kg/ha |
| 5,500-6,000 seeds/kg (2,500-2,700 seeds/lb) | 61-66 kg/ha | 46-50 kg/ha | 36-38 kg/ha |
| 6,000-6,500 seeds/kg (2,700-3,000 seeds/lb) | 55-61 kg/ha | 42-46 kg/ha | 32-36 kg/ha |
Table 2. Seeding rate for large-seeded coloured bean
| Row width | Seeding rate | Final plant stand* |
|---|---|---|
| 53cm (21″) | 9.5-11.5 seeds/m of row (3.5-4.0 seeds/ft of row) | 173,000-205,000 plants/ha (70,000-80,000 plants/acre) |
| 76cm (30″) | 11.5-15.1 seeds/m of row (4.3-6.0 seeds/ft of row) | 148,000-198,000 plants/ha (60,000-80,000 plants/acre) |
* based on 90% germination and 90% emergence.
Example: Cranberry beans
148,000 plants/ha desired population
85% seedling survival
1760 seeds/kg
Seeding rate
= 148,000 ÷ 0.85 ÷ 1760
= 99 kg/ha