Bean (Hyacinth bean / Lablab-bean)

Plant family

Legumes (Fabaceae)

Also known as

Bonavist Bean, Bonavist Pea, Dolichos Bean, Seim Bean, Sem Bean, Egyptian Kidney Bean, Indian Bean, Bataw, Australian Pea

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Seeding distance

45 cm

Row spacing

110 cm

Seeding depth

3 cm

Instructions

Description

The helmet bean (Lablab purpureus) is also called Indian, Egyptian, hyacinth or pheasant bean and belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). It is not frost resistant. Flowering time is from June. The flowers are red-purple. Seeds can be plain, marbled or spotted. In addition to its use as a useful plant, is also used as a ground cover, ornamental plant, and for greening. Can also be planted as a privacy screen. The dark, purple-purple fruits grow between 8-20 cm long.

Growing tips

Sensitive to frost, sow outdoors only after the last frosts. Requires sunny, warm place. Grows up to 4 m tall. Climbing plant, needs climbing help. Also grows in the shade. Water well on hot days. Can be pre-pulled from the end of March at 18-25°C. Germination after about 2 weeks. Do not eat beans raw!