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This newly-popular plant is a big
garden hit these days but since it has previously been claimed by
most of the rest of the world, it isn't really new at all. Also
known as Indian Bean, Egyptian Bean, Dolichos lablab, Lablab purpureus,
Bonavist, Chinese Flowering Bean and Pharoah Bean, it is widely
grown in Africa, India and Asia for use as food for both humans
and livestock. The Hyacinth Bean Vine's most prestigious role in
the United States has been in the gardens of Thomas Jefferson's
historic farm, Monticello.
If you haven't seen it yet, you need
only catch a quick glimpse to know that it is not soon forgotten.
The leaves are dark green but have maroon stems. In mid- to late-summer,
it blooms like sweet peas with racemes of small pink and white flowers
and eventually produces long, maroon seed pods.
With its striking and romantic color
combination, hyacinth bean is a very pretty plant. It is also drought-resistant
and can be easily grown for trellises, arbors, fences or walls but
can also be used as ground cover. If you intend to grow it vertically,
be sure that your trellis, arbor or fence can take some weight,
as these vigorous growers can easily surpass ten feet in height
and pull heavily on their growing structures. Hyacinth bean would
look very pretty planted near something with white flowers, such
as vinca, or along a white fence or arbor.
To plant hyacinth bean vine, soak
the seeds overnight in warm water then plant them one inch deep
in soil that will receive full sun. You can start the seeds indoors
if you like, but do not put them outside until after the danger
of frost has passed. If you intend to plant more than one, space
the seeds at least six inches apart. The beginnings of the plant
should start to emerge after seven to 20 days. Hyacinth bean is
an annual that will self-sow if you leave it but would have a better
chance if you collected the seeds yourself at the end of the growing
season and saved them in a cool, dark place until next year.
The pods and seeds are edible, but
due to the presence of cyanogenic glycoside, a poison which will
cause gastrointestinal and nervous system disorders if consumed
in large quantities, the beans must be boiled thoroughly in water
that is changed twice during cooking.
Hyacinth bean is a beautiful, versatile
and fun addition to any landscape. With its vivid color display
and interesting seedpods, it is sure to be a conversation starter
in any yard or garden.
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Related tags:Do it Yourself, Hyacinth
Bean Vine Pictures |
thanks,
jen