It hasn't been that long and the weather has only just warmed up so as long as you are keeping them well watered I wouldn't be surprised if they start showing soon.

Thanks Cammomile - will keep my fingers crossed.

They take almost a fortnight in my polytunnel when I sow them in pots, so Cammomile is absolutely right. The warm weather has been very recent and runners can take a long time to germinate, far longer than French beans which can be up in a couple of days.

Thanks for taking the trouble to post a reply to me.

Good luck!! My 4 year old has some in a pot that have still to pop their heads up :)

Has your son's runner beans popped their heads up yet Magnadoodle?
My first sowings didnt germinate - in fact I gently turned the soil to see where they were and found only one which had maggots in it! How they got there, I dont know. The rest must have rotted and disappeared or eaten by birds.
My second sowing - only 3 are showing their heads at the moment.
My neighbour has kindly given me some plants which he started in a greenhouse.
It's probably best to start them off in pots, rather than direct in soil.

One peeking out but I'm doubtful, she won't let me bin them to try again :(