If you’ve been to the restored gardens and farm of Thomas Jefferson in Virginia, then you’ll know this as “the legend of Monticello’s bean arbor.” Jefferson constructed this colossal extravagance to grow and enjoy this beautiful, free-spirited annual. More vigorous and adventurous in its growth habit than the Scarlet Runner Bean, the Hyacinth Bean produces large spiked clusters of bi-colored lavender/white flowers which are held out and above the foliage on long, straight stems. Mature pods are a lovely purple, and the seeds are an interesting chocolate brown with a white lobe. .” Warning: The dry seeds of this bean contain cyanogenic glucosides in toxic amounts. Asian cooks treat the seeds to remove the toxins, but unless you are very familiar with the process, it is best not to eat them.

12 seeds

PLANTING

Dolichos lablab

Annual

Germination: 10-15 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-75F.

Seed Planting Depth: Sow 1 deep, soaking seeds overnight aids the germination

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-75F soil temperatures until germination. Transplant 12 apart after the last frost

Sowing Outdoors: Direct sow after the last frost, only in areas with long growing seasons

Growth Habit: Climbing

Height and Width: 10 feet

Spacing: 12 apart

Light Needs: Full sun

Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms in 100-115 days

Uses: Cut flowers, privacy screen- climbing and covering trellises, arbors, fences, and poles

Care: Water seedlings regularly until established. Low maintenance, minimal care required.