Frozen bean and pea seedlings - how low can they go?

[JamonSerrano]

Does anyone know how cold is has to be, for how long, to kill off autumn-sown broad beans and peas? I have two rows of broad beans (Aquadulce) and Douce de Provence peas, both about two inches high, and they have all been frozen solid and looking droopy ever since this very cold snap started. I'm in Dorset and I think the coldest it's got is about minus 8 celsius at night, and never properly above freezing by day till today.

I know broad beans are hardy but there must be a limit, surely?

Thanks

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Jamon and welcome to our forum!

Broad beans are really hardly and can tolerate winter temperatures down to minus 14C but I don't know about the peas. I've been having a search through the seed sites and they just say that the peas will withstand a frost.

[malcolmx]

if the cell structure has not been damaged by the freezing they will grow on but if the cells are ruptured then they will die . often sun scorch through the frost does more damage try a fleece covering whilst still frosted

[paul]

Hi Jamon,

I don't know about your peas, but my broad beans survived the -9 frost ok. A little warmth and the droopy beans will improve.

[JamonSerrano]

Many thanks all. Beans now fine again.