Hyacinth Bean - Purple Moon
90 days maturity. Lablab purpureus 'Purple Moon'. Purple Moon Hyacinth Bean. Non-GMO, Heirloom. Warm-season annual. The drought-tolerant Purple Moon beans have been grown in China for centuries and are beloved for their delicious pods and drought tolerance. The vigorous plant growth produces long vines, needs support, has brilliantly colored flowers, and is used as a culinary bean, ornamental plant, or groundcover. The bean pods are flat, thick, and curved. Hyacinth Beans require a long season to fully mature as they tend to flower in the shorter days of the fall. —Approx 77 seeds/oz.
Hyacinth Bean - Purple Moon - Heirloom
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Other Common Names: Bataw, seven sons, bian dou, dau vang, Egyptian bean, fujimame, ho dhambala, kacang kera, kacang koro, kulthi, lablab bean, pin dou, pin tou, bonavist bean, tseuk tau, que dou, rou dou, thua paep, and tseuktau.
How to Grow Purple Moon Hyacinth Beans
Sow seeds in the early summer, well after the last frost, in a warm, sunny location. The soil should be moist during germination. However, cold, wet soil will cause the seeds to rot before sprouting. If you are container gardening, be sure to provide a deep container for Hyacinth Beans.
As the plants become established, allow the soil to dry between deep waterings. If the plants look pale throughout the season, boost them with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Save space and prepare for a high-quality bean harvest by training Purple Moon beans to climb a sturdy trellis. Most Oriental gardening books will list these as just Lablab Beans.
Harvesting Purple Moon Hyacinth Beans
Harvest young pods continually as they become ready. Gently clip off the pods at the base of the stem.
Culinary Tips
Young pods can be sliced or used whole. Always cook hyacinth beans well before eating. Hyacinth beans naturally have cyanogenic glucoside (a plant compound that contains sugar and produces cyanide). It is toxic to humans and animals.
Boil or steam the beans until just tender. Drain off the liquid and toss the beans in a vinaigrette with diced onion, torn crisp lettuce, chopped hard-boiled eggs, grated parmesan cheese, olives, and fresh herbs. It creates a delicious Italian-inspired bean salad that will have everyone asking for more!
Stories From Our Gardeners
“The flowers look like Orchids to me. It is astonishingly beautiful when the flowers and beans cohabitate on the vines. The Purple Moon Hyacinth Bean is indispensable in the ornamental or culinary garden!”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Seeds Per Package
- 4 g packet - Approximately 11 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 308 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 1,232 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Lablab purpureus 'Purple Moon' |
| Purple Moon Hyacinth Bean Color: | Dark green, leaves, and stems. Striking reddish-purple pods and light purple flowers. |
| Purple Moon Hyacinth Bean Flavor: | Slightly bitter with a smooth texture. |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 90 Days |
| Days to Germination: | 9-16 Days |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 12 inches |
| Plant Height: | 6-8’ |
| Growth Habit: | Vining climber. |
| Soil Preference: | Hyacinth beans prefer dry, slightly acidic soil with light to moderate fertility and good drainage. |
| Temperature Preference: | 50-85℉ No frost tolerance. |
Other
| Plant Width: | 12 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | Avoid excess water on the leaves or near the roots. Hyacinth beans have been shown to have good resistance to red spider mites. |