Description: An attractive and popular ornamental that creates a fabulous and colourful living screen. This fast-growing vine boasts dark violet stems and deep green foliage. Pretty lilac blossoms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds are followed by purple pods.
In some parts of the world, hyacinth beans provide a food source but since they require careful preparation to remove toxins, we recommend growing as a gorgeous ornamental. Provide a trellis or plant in front of a fence.
Certified Organic by Ecocert Canada/ Open Pollinated/ Non-GMO
Pack Size: 25 seeds
Latin Name: Dolichos lablab
Main Uses: Ornamental, flowering vine
Zone Hardiness: Annual
Exposure: Full sun
Height: (10 - 15 ft.) (Climbing vine)
Flower Color: Lilac
Certified Organic: Ecocert Canada
Germination: takes 15-20 days; soak seeds over night before planting and gently nick seed coat with a sharp knife prior to sowing.
Start Indoors: 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Hyacinth Bean seedlings do not transplant well, so it is strongly recommend that seeds be planted in peat or coco-fibre pots (which biodegrade once transplanted).
Outdoors: Transplant to the garden once all chance of frost has passed, and soil has warmed. In southern Manitoba, this is typically around June 7.
Growth habit: Support vine with trellis or support.
Notes: The common name Hyacinth Beans is misleading, as they are not in fact true beans! But, like beans, they are a member of the pea family.
The immature bean pods can be edible, however compared to other beans do not have a tender flavour. Eating mature Hyacinth bean seeds is not recommended as they must be boiled and drained at least twice, and the water discarded, due to the presence of toxic cyanogenic glucosides. It is NOT recommended that you try eating the bean, as the toxicity is inconsistent, and often very dangerous.
Growing in Containers: Can be grown in large pots or raised boxes.
Fertilizing (Containers): Plant in a quality, organic-based potting mix with good drainage.
Watering (Containers): Water deeply when top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Check every day or two during very hot weather.
Growing in Mixed Planters: Not suited for mixed planters.
Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in a garden recently amended with compost. No further fertilizing required.
Watering (Garden): Water deeply to establish. Water mature plants weekly during hot weather.
Beneficials Attracted to this Plant: Plant the hyacinth bean pod vine for visitors like butterflies and hummingbirds who enjoy the attractive and sweetly-scented blossoms.
Garden Companions:
- The Hyacinth Bean is a good companion for Garden Mums, Salvia(s) and Marigolds.
Suitability for Indoors: Not suited for indoors.
