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Plant Informational Database

Hyacinth Bean

Lablab purpurea

a.k.a. Dolichos lablab

Climbing annual appreciated for its pretty purple flowers and striking purple colored fruits.

Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Description

Annual vine, usually to about 10ft, but it can grow up to 30ft. All parts of the plant are shaded purple and it is commonly planted for its edible beans as well as ornamental look. The plant is a nitrogen fixer.

Hardiness

Not frost hardy. Can be grown in any climate as an annual.

Growing Environment

The hyacinth bean is a warm weather bean and extremely easy to grow. It does best in sunny locations and prefers consistent watering throughout the growing season. Provide some sort of structure for plants to grow up. Will grow in most soils and does well in poor soils.

Propagation

By seeds.

Uses

Usually grown as an ornamental. The pods are eaten, but must be boiled prior to use.

Native Range

Native to tropical Africa.

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