Description

Also known as Lablab or Purple Hyacinth Bean, a runner bean with high biomass, perennial.

Striking dark violet colored stems, leaf veins and dark purple to brown seed pods with beautiful fragrant, sweet pea-like, lilac-colored blossoms extending above the deep green and purple/brown foliage on long straight stems.

Seed pods and beans are poisonous at certain stages! In Asia and Africa, hyacinth beans are grown for food and can be eaten if prepared properly. A heavy vine that will need a sturdy trellis.

Grows 3-6 meters depending on conditions. Thick foliage cover makes a good screen. Especially recommended for arbors. Grow it on a fence for a quick privacy screen or plant it to hide an eyesore.

Runner (pole) variety.

Seeds/Packet: (min. 15 Seeds)

Please see the Beans category page for detailed Growing Instructions

Extra Info

The young immature hyacinth bean pods can be eaten like snow peas when they are cooked. Immature hyacinth beans will have seeds that are still soft and green in purple-coloured pods. In contrast, mature hyacinth beans have seeds that are dark and the covering of the pods have all turned brown.

CAUTION: The dried mature seeds of this legume can also be consumed but must be done with caution as these contain cyanogenic glucosides and the cooking water must be discarded after boiling the beans. You should only consume these mature seeds after boiling them two or more times!