Q&A for How to Grow Beans in Cotton

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Can beans grow on cotton?

Olivia Choong
Plant & Gardening Specialist
Olivia Choong is a Plant and Gardening Specialist and the Owner of The Tender Gardener. With more than six years of experience, she specializes in gardening, permaculture, and self-sufficient and low-impact living practices. Her work has been featured in media outlets such as The Straits Times and Channel NewsAsia (CNA). Olivia holds a Bachelor of Mass Communications in PR and Journalism from Murdoch University.

Olivia Choong

Plant & Gardening Specialist

Expert Answer

Definitely! Beans can grow on cotton as long as long as you keep the cotton moist and not wet. Just keep in mind that the beans might take longer to sprout if they have a thicker seed coat.

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Question

Do I have to soak the cotton?

Community Answer

No. The cotton should be moist, but not soaked. Too much water can kill the plant.

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Question

Should I put the seed at the side of the cotton or on top of the cotton?

Community Answer

Put the seed on top of the cotton, so that the beans do not struggle to grow.

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Question

How long am I supposed to soak the bean seeds?

Community Answer

Soak the beans for at least 12 hours, but 24 hours is the maximum. When the beans soak, they expand, so make sure you have enough water.

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Do I soak the bean first?

Community Answer

Yes. You have to soak the bean first or it won't sprout.

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Question

Do I have to fill the cotton wool with water when it dries up?

Community Answer

Just sprinkle with water to keep it moistened. However, do not let the cotton dry or the seed will die.

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Question

Can't I soak the beans?

Community Answer

Soak the beans for 3 minutes to soften the hulls, making it easier for the shoots to break through and start the germination.

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Question

What do I do if my cotton plant isn't growing?

Community Answer

Patience is key. Just let it grow. If it doesn't progress at all, reread this article.

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Question

Do green beans need sunlight?

Community Answer

Green beans need 8 - 10 hours of sunlight per day.

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Question

Can I use sunflower beans or peas?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Almost any kind of bean can be grown in cotton. Just make sure you give it enough water and filtered sunlight for it to thrive.

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Question

Do you cover the beans with a thin layer of cotton wool?

Community Answer

No, it's best to leave one side open.

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Question

What kind of beans do I need?

Community Answer

You will need pinto beans.

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Question

What happens with the beans in one day?

Community Answer

Not much will happen in only one day. The bean may soften up and they may develop a white structure/substance on them.

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Question

Can I grow the plant indefinitely in cotton?

Community Answer

No, as the plant will need nutrients to further develop. The plant will die from nutrient depletion if you don't transplant it once it has grown leaves.

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Question

How many days will it take to germinate?

Community Answer

For it to grow the roots, it will take 2-3 days, sometimes a little more. For the leaves, it might take longer, maybe 1-2 weeks or more.

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Question

How long should I leave it in the sun?

Community Answer

Around 10 hours a day. Make sure not too leave it out for too long, all else it dries up.

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Question

I planted green beans one week ago, and they still haven't sprouted. What could be wrong?

Community Answer

The seeds could have lost fertility. Make sure you got the beans from a good source. They may also have lost fertility if they are old.

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Question

What do you mean when you say to soak the seeds?

Community Answer

You have to soak it in hot water for 3 minutes. It will make the seeds softer and easier to grow.

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Question

Do I need to water the plants daily when growing beans in cotton?

Community Answer

No, you don't need to. In warm temperatures, water it every 2 days and in cold temperatures, water it twice a week.

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Question

Can I use gram seeds instead?

Community Answer

Yes, you can try it. Any type of bean or seed may grow in cotton.

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Question

How many hours should I leave the plant in the sun?

Community Answer

Not more than 30 minutes of direct sunlight per day. Give it lots of indirect sunlight the rest of the day.

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Question

Do I keep the beans in the cotton when I put them in the soil?

Community Answer

No, you need to remove the cotton because the beans will need the soil to grow and the cotton will just block this growth.

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Question

How much will this have grown in a week and a half?

Community Answer

Around 3 - 4 cm. It might go higher if you water it well and give it a good amount of sunshine.

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