Bean Climbing - Lablab

(Dolichos lablab)  Certified Organic Seed - Grown at Greenpatch Organic Seeds

Lab Lab bean is a vigorous perennial in warm climates to 2.5 metres tall (it will grow larger if you give it the structure to grow on). Boil young pods before eating. Black seeds, excellent legume, ground cover & soil improver. Beans begin to set at the day length shortens which is roughly around April.

Note: Leaves can irritate skin and plants can overtake small spaces. Provide ample trellis space.

How to Grow

Climbing beans as their name indicates need a structure for them to climb on. This can be anything from a wire fence, verandah or teepee made from tomato stakes, bamboo or even sturdy sticks. They like soil rich in organic matter but they are a legume so ensure nitrogen levels are not to high. Sow your seeds below the climbing structure to give the tendrils a easy job of latching on. Ensure you do not over water them during the germination stage as this may cause rotting. Once germinated provide a good mulch later around the plant. During the growing season you may need to assist the plant with latching onto your structure.

Pests are minimal for Lablab.

SOW SPRING - SUMMER direct in garden. Cover with 2cm of soil, space seeds 10cm apart in the row. Provide a trellis.

Packet contains approx 20 seeds.

Occasionally handles mild frost.

180 days to harvest

Uses

Eat young pods whole cooked in boiling water. Dried beans can also be used in cooking - Allow the green pods to turn brown on the plant then harvest and using basic seed cleaning equipment such as screens, fans and buckets you can separate the seed for future use.