Lablab purpureus
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Lablab purpureus

لوبیا لب لب · Hyacinth Bean · Lablab-bean · Japanese Delchos · Bonavist bean

Tier 1 Difficulty: medium Water: moderate Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
5–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 5–11
Click count
503
Observations
637

Description

Source: leafsnap

Lablab purpureus, commonly known as the hyacinth bean or lablab bean, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. Native to Africa, this plant has been widely cultivated around the globe for its edible beans and ornamental value. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and features large, heart-shaped leaves that are green or purple. Its flowers, which are pink or purple, grow in clusters on long stems that can reach up to 12 inches. The pods are flat, measuring around 4-6 inches long, and are bright green when young, turning brown as they mature. Lablab beans have been used for centuries as a food source due to their high protein content, fiber, and low-fat levels, making them an excellent nutritional choice for vegetarians and vegans seeking protein-rich foods without animal products. Besides its nutritional benefits, Lablab purpureus also has ornamental value thanks to its attractive flowers, making it a great addition for gardeners who appreciate both aesthetic beauty and practicality. In summary, Lablab purpureus is an important crop that offers significant food security benefits through high yields of nutritious beans. Its beautiful flowers further enhance its value, making it a worthwhile addition to both farms and gardens worldwide.

🌳 Besides its nutritional benefits, the hyacinth bean offers a surprising range of uses. Its seeds have been studied as a natural water purifier because their coagulating properties help clear turbid water. The plant’s ability to fix nitrogen boosts soil fertility, benefiting other plants in agroforestry systems. In addition, its fast-growing vines can be used as green manure or for erosion control, underscoring its environmental significance.

🎭 Lighthearted, Charm

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Hyacinth bean, which originates from warm climates, thrives with consistent moisture and benefits from weekly watering. Although it can endure short periods of dryness, as an outdoor ornamental, it gains from the rain during the growing season to keep the soil optimally moist for its health.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
FAQ
How should I water my Hyacinth bean plant?

The Hyacinth bean has specific preferences for both the amount and method of watering. If you don't use the proper technique, your tomatoes may be negatively impacted. To water the Hyacinth bean effectively, apply water directly to the soil in a slow and gentle manner. Avoid pouring all the water into the soil at once and don't perform overhead watering. Although you should water slowly, make sure to water deeply to ensure the entire soil around the Hyacinth bean is adequately moist.

What should I do if I give my Hyacinth bean plant too much or too little water?

If you realize that you have overwatered your Hyacinth bean and are worried about it getting sick, take immediate action. The best approach is to remove the plant from its current spot. Let the roots dry out a bit before replanting it somewhere else with well-draining soil. If you grow it in a pot, consider transferring it to a pot with better drainage. On the other hand, if you have underwatered it, simply increase the frequency of watering.

How often should I give water to my Hyacinth bean plant?

Hyacinth bean requires a significant amount of water throughout the growing season. To meet this high water need, follow these watering guidelines: in the earlier parts of the growing season, water your Hyacinth bean once or twice per week. As the season progresses, increase watering frequency. During summer, in particular, you may need to water it twice per day or more, depending on the weather. After your Hyacinth bean has gone through its major growth phases, reduce watering frequency to about once per week until the end of the growing season.

How much water does my Hyacinth bean plant need?

Hyacinth beans are very popular among gardeners, both professional and amateur, and as a result, we have a good understanding of how to take care of them. Specifically, we know that an average Hyacinth bean plant needs about 1 - 1.5 inches of water per week in order to thrive. It's important to evenly distribute this amount throughout your weekly watering routine. As the weather warms up, you may need to increase the amount of water, but in general, two inches per week should be sufficient.

How can I know if I'm giving my Hyacinth bean enough water?

Both underwatering and overwatering can cause problems for your Hyacinth bean, and they have similar symptoms. For instance, overwatering or underwatering can both result in foliage discoloration and wilting. When your Hyacinth bean is underwatered, you will notice curling and drooping leaves initially, followed by a decrease in leaf vigor. Since this plant requires a lot of water, underwatering can also result in stunted growth and poor overall development. On the other hand, overwatering is more likely to lead to diseases like rot and may cause unpleasant smells from the soil. The symptoms of underwatering appear faster compared to overwatering. You can also identify overwatering by observing soil conditions, such as excessive water accumulation or waterlogged soils.

☀️ Light Full sun

Hyacinth bean grows best in places with plenty of direct, unobstructed sunlight. It can tolerate partly sunny locations, but those conditions are generally less favorable. Having evolved in areas with strong sun exposure, the plant performs well under similar lighting. Both too little and too much light can stress it, which may harm its growth and blooming.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Hyacinth Bean plants?

Hyacinth bean plants thrive in environments with abundant sunlight, requiring more than 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. These plants can tolerate partial sun conditions of about 3-6 hours of sunlight, but such conditions may not be ideal. It's important to observe the movement of sunlight through your garden to find spots that offer the right balance of light and shade, ensuring the plants' health and happiness.

How essential is sunlight for the growth of Hyacinth Bean plants?

Sunlight is crucial for the growth and health of Hyacinth Bean plants. Originating from habitats with significant sun exposure, they flourish when exposed to plenty of sunlight. Both underexposure and overexposure to light can stress the plant, affecting its growth and bloom. For indoor plants, artificial lighting can be a vital solution to provide optimal growth conditions, especially in less sunny spaces or during winter. The right type of artificial light, appropriate distance, and duration of exposure are key factors to consider.

What symptoms indicate insufficient or excessive sunlight exposure in Hyacinth Bean plants?

Symptoms of insufficient sunlight in Hyacinth Bean plants include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or halted growth, and lighter-colored or irregularly patterned new leaves. Excessive sunlight can lead to chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching, indicating damage to the plant's tissue and a reduction in its photosynthetic capacity. These symptoms highlight the plant's struggle with inappropriate light levels, emphasizing the need for optimal sunlight exposure.

What solutions can help Hyacinth Bean plants get optimal sunlight?

For indoor Hyacinth Bean plants, gradually moving them to a sunnier spot or using artificial lighting can help ensure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Outdoor plants should be gradually adapted to sunnier locations to avoid sunburn. Reducing obstructions such as pruning trees or transplanting to more sunlit areas can also improve sunlight exposure. Importantly, plants affected by light deficiencies may not fully recover, but new growth should be healthy once conditions improve.

🌡️ Temperature 5–37.8°C

The hyacinth bean is native to climates where temperatures generally range from 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It performs best in those conditions, so adjust temperatures seasonally, when necessary, to replicate its natural environment.

Ideal temperature: 5–37.8°C
FAQ
What are the ideal climate conditions for growing Hyacinth bean?

Hyacinth bean, known botanically as Lablab purpureus, thrives in climates where temperatures range between 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 °C). These warm conditions are crucial for the plant's growth, and efforts should be made to replicate these temperatures, especially seasonally. It's of particular importance to maintain temperatures above freezing during winter cultivation to prevent damage. Should the outdoor temperature near -5°C (25°F) in winter, it's advisable either to bring the plant indoors or to provide it with protection through makeshift greenhouses or wrapping materials like plastic film or fabric.

How does low temperature affect Hyacinth bean, and what are the solutions?

Hyacinth bean has a moderate tolerance to low temperatures but grows optimally when conditions are kept within its suitable growth temperature range. During winter, the temperature should remain above its minimum tolerable growth threshold. Exposure to temperatures below its growth limit may lead to darkening of leaves, water-soaked necrosis, wilting, drooping, and eventually browning of the leaves in severe cases. To combat frost damage, the affected parts should be trimmed away, and the plant should be immediately moved to a warmer indoor environment or protected by a makeshift greenhouse. Placement near a south-facing window is ideal to ensure adequate sunlight, supplemented by artificial lighting if necessary.

What impact does high temperature have on Hyacinth bean, and how can it be mitigated?

During the summer, it's important to keep Hyacinth bean below its maximum tolerable growth temperature to prevent slowing down its growth and reducing the risk of sunburn. Exceeding this temperature threshold can cause the leaves to lighten in color and become more susceptible to damage from direct sunlight. To address this, sunburned or dried parts of the plant should be trimmed away, and the plant should be relocated to a shaded area, particularly away from intense afternoon sun. Ensuring the soil remains moist through watering in the morning and evening will also help mitigate the effects of high temperatures.

💨 Humidity high (>60%)

This plant needs special care because it loves high humidity levels of 60-80% or more. The best way to achieve this is by placing a humidifier near the plant. Daily misting is also essential! Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Humidity: high (>60%)
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Feed Hyacinth bean with organic or commercial fertilizer high in nitrogen for foliage growth, phosphorus for root and flower development, and potassium to support photosynthesis and maximize fruit production. Plant in spring, amend the soil with compost or manure, and fertilize seedlings once they reach a height of 2-4 inches. A shortage of macronutrients causes slow growth, wilting, and poor fruit quality.

FAQ
What is the reason for fertilizing my Hyacinth bean?

To ensure a successful harvest of Hyacinth bean fruit, it is important to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients. The main macronutrients, such as phosphorus, play specific roles in plant growth. Phosphorus, in particular, helps promote the formation of flowers and fruit. However, it is also important to support other parts of the plant, such as the root system and leaves, which are essential for flower and fruit production. Insufficient macronutrients can negatively affect the vitality and growth of plants, causing them to grow slower and potentially wilt. Since flowering and fruiting require a significant amount of energy, any deficiency in these key components will be reflected in the quality of the resulting fruit.

When should I fertilize my Hyacinth bean for the best results?

To successfully grow hyacinth beans, it is important to follow these steps: - Plant the seeds in the spring for summer harvest, making sure to check the specific variety for optimal planting time. - Use rich, fertile soil by incorporating a 2-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure before planting. This will provide necessary nutrients and improve drainage. - Newly planted hyacinth bean transplants can be immediately fertilized, while seedlings should grow to a height of 2 to 4 inches before their first fertilization. - For established plants, feed them every 3 to 4 weeks during the entire growing season until the first frost or when the plant stops producing. - Ensure you use the appropriate fertilizer type and adjust the fertilization schedule according to your specific hyacinth bean variety. If unsure, it is better to apply less fertilizer.

When is it not a good idea to fertilize my Hyacinth bean?

To ensure optimal blooming and fruiting, avoid using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for Hyacinth bean. Instead, choose a fertilizer with lower nitrogen levels relative to other nutrients. Additionally, refrain from fertilizing the plant during hot weather or dry conditions. Doing so may result in the fertilizer being washed away without absorption and hinder the plant's ability to absorb nutrients or water. This could be particularly detrimental during a drought or heatwave.

What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Hyacinth bean?

To determine the best fertilizer for your Hyacinth bean, start by assessing the nutrient levels in your soil. You can accurately do this by conducting a soil test, but some gardeners find success through trial and error. While there are specialized fertilizers available for each type of Hyacinth bean, it's not necessary to purchase a different one for every plant in your garden. By understanding their basic needs and taking into account the existing soil nutrient levels, you can use the same fertilizer for multiple plants. Many gardeners prefer high-phosphorus fertilizers, as they promote flowering and fruiting. These fertilizers have a higher middle number in their NPK ratio, like 8-32-16 or 10-30-10. However, some people opt for a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 for all their garden plants to simplify the process.

How can I give my Hyacinth bean plant the necessary nutrients to help it grow?

Different types of fertilizer come with their own instructions, some requiring dilution and others careful measurement. To avoid over fertilizing your garden, it is important to follow these instructions and conduct research. If your Hyacinth bean is planted in a row, the side-dressing method can be used. This involves mixing fertilizer into the soil along the rows, away from the base of the plant. Water will then wash the nutrients into the soil and roots. If side-dressing is not suitable for your garden layout, you can apply fertilizer to the soil around the plant, again staying away from the base. Granular fertilizers can be scattered and lightly mixed into the soil. Dry fertilizers should be followed by thorough watering. Liquid fertilizers can be mixed into a watering can to simultaneously water and fertilize plants. Foliar feeding sprays a specialized fertilizer mix onto the leaves instead of applying nutrients to the soil.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 12 months

When repotting Hyacinth bean, choose a pot that is 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger in diameter and ensure it has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix and consider adding perlite for additional drainage. Repot in spring or early summer, water thoroughly afterward, and place it in a shady spot initially.

Suggested frequency: Every 12 months
✂️ Pruning

The hyacinth bean plant is known for its vibrant purple flowers and lush foliage. To maintain its health and appearance, it's important to prune it from early to late spring. This helps remove dead stems and thin out crowded areas, promoting better air circulation. Regular pruning encourages healthier growth and enhances flowering. Be sure to adjust the timing of your pruning based on your regional climate for the best results.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Vine, Herb
Life Cycle
Annual, Biennial
Genus
Lablab
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-11
Mature Height
6.1 m
Mature Spread
49 cm to 91 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Purple
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Purple, White
Flower Size
1.27 cm to 1.52 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Tropical Africa

Tags (13)

Common Names (28)

ar لوبیا لب لب
en Hyacinth Bean
en Lablab-bean
en Japanese Delchos
en Bonavist bean
en Dolichos bean
en Seim bean
en Egyptian bean
en Egyptian kidney bean
en Indian bean
en Bataw
en Australian pea
en Sweet hyacinth bean
en Antaque
en Banner Bean
en Black bean
en Bonavist
en Tonga bean
en Bonavist pea
en Carmelita
en Frijol Caballero
en Natoba
en Northern Buckler-fern
en Sweet Pea
en அவரை
en అనప చెట్టు
en শিম ফুল
hi बल्लर