Hyacinth Bean - Key Growing Information

Hyacinth bean, with its bluish-purple flowers and red-violet pods, is an ornamental and forage crop.
DAYS TO GERMINATION: 5-12 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C).

SOWING:
Transplant: Sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Plant 2 seeds 1/2" deep in individual containers. Thin to one plant per pot, leaving the strongest, most purple seedling. Harden off and transplant outside after the last frost. Direct seed: after last frost, sow about 6 seeds per foot, 1/2" deep. When the seedlings have true leaves, thin to 12" apart. Trellis or other form of support is necessary.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:
Sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:
Moderately fertile soil.

PLANT SPACING:
12".

HARDINESS ZONES:
Zones 9-10.

HARVEST:
Fresh: Harvest when 80% of flowers on stem are open.

Pods:
When 1/2 on stem are shiny and firm to touch.

Edible flowers:
Harvest when flowers are fully open.

USES:
Cut flower. Seeds, young leaves, and flowers are completely edible. Quick cover for arbors, walls, fences, and trellises.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Dolichos lablab

ALTERNATE NAMES:
Bonavist-bean, lablab-bean