Planted Purple Hyacinth Bean Seeds

Today we planted some of our Purple Hyacinth Bean Seeds (Lablab purpureus). Last fall we harvested some of the seeds and had saved them for this year. We planted them in front of the first and fourth of the trellis in the garden area north of the house. This will be the first year that we have tried growing them in this area. The "Happy Returns" Daylilies have been transplanted directly behind them next to the property line.

The beans and pods of the hyacinth bean are a popular offering on tables across the Indian subcontintent, however they contain toxic compounds removed only by cooking, and are best used as an ornamental feature.

General Maintenance
Pinch young plants to encourage branching. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage flowering, but let some mature to produce the beautiful seedpods. Provide string, trellis, or stakes on which the vine can climb. Water frequently. For a heavy bean crop, fertilize young plants biweekly with a balanced soluble fertilizer until flowering begins, following label directions.Leaf spot may occur. To discourage fungal disease, avoid wetting foliage when watering, and remove and dispose of fallen leaves. If necessary, spray weekly with a mixture of 4 teaspoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon horticultural-oil spray per gallon of water.