Sword Bean - Akanata Mame
80-90 days maturity. Canavalia gladiata 'Akanata'. Akanata Mame Sword Bean. Non-GMO, Heirloom. Warm season annual. This tropical Japanese cultivated bean is predominantly harvested when the pods are young and tender. Popular in many parts of India, the dense, glossy, flat green pods have a ridged edge and taste like snap beans. Their texture is similar to snow peas. Large vines grow quickly and should be trellised. Sword Beans are appropriate for a variety of growing situations and culinary applications. They also have beautiful blooms that pollinators love. Approx 20 seeds / oz.
Sword Bean Seeds - Akanata Mame
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Other Common Names: Dao dou, habas, kacang parang, lal kudsum bal, nata mame, thua dap, to dou, wal awara.
How to Grow Akanata Mame Sword Beans
Prepare fertile soil with organic matter in a sunny spot. Plant beans directly into the moist soil and keep the area lightly moist until they sprout. Once the plants have an established root system they are not as sensitive to over or under-watering. Train vines to climb a trellis. Growing plants will not tolerate a frost but mature beans aren’t usually impacted. Periodically check for pests throughout the season. Plant near other crops that need lots of nitrogen for maximum benefits. When done harvesting, leave the roots in the ground to decay. This will release the nitrogen into the soil for the next crop. See our free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF for more details.
Harvesting Akanata Mame Sword Beans
Harvest when 4-6" long and pods are still tender. To harvest mature seeds, wait until the pods are no longer tender and the swollen beans inside are easily visible. Mature seeds are not recommended for consumption.
Culinary Tips
Prepare young beans as you would green beans. Thoroughly cook them and they will be delicious in steamed dishes or stir-fries. If desired, prepare mature seeds by boiling to neutralize any toxins.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“My favorite way to cook this vegetable is with garlic. The flavors mesh quite well. The young bean pods are delicious but the flowers are also subtly beautiful. If you love pink flowers, you will love this plant!”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Seeds Per Package
- 6 g packet - Approximately 6 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 85 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 350 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Canavalia gladiata 'Akanata' |
| Akanata Mame Sword Bean Color: | Bright green pods with pink or red flowers. |
| Akanata Mame Sword Bean Flavor: | Similar to snap peas. |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 80-90 Days |
| Days to Germination: | 3-8 Days |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 12-14 inches |
| Plant Height: | 18-24” |
| Growth Habit: | Vining up to 30ft long. |
| Soil Preference: | Fertile, well-draining soil. Performs best in pH of 5.6-7.5. |
| Temperature Preference: | 60-90℉ |
Other
| Plant Width: | 8-10 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | Akanata Sword Beans are not a favorite of any pest. With proper cultivation practices, there should not be serious concerns. |