key growing information

Growing Purple Hyacinth Bean From Seed

How to grow hyacinth bean (lablab) from seed: transplants or direct sowing, trellising, soil, and harvesting flowers and pods.

By Hensley’s Seed Co. September 3, 2026

Hyacinth Bean - Key Growing Information

Hyacinth bean, with its bluish-purple flowers and red-violet pods, is an ornamental and forage crop.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

Seedlings appear in 5–12 days at 65–70°F (18–21°C).

SOWING:

For transplants, sow 4–6 weeks before planting out. To sow in place, plant ½" deep after frost danger has passed and thin as needed once true leaves form.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Full sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:

10–20'; needs a trellis or other support.

PLANT SPACING:

Space plants 6–12" apart.

HARDINESS ZONES:

Hardy in Zones 9–10.

HARVEST:

Flowers: cut when 80% of the blooms on the stem are open. Pods: cut when half the pods on the stem are glossy and firm. Edible flowers: pick fully open.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Moderately fertile soil.

USES:

Cut flowers; the seeds, young leaves and flowers are edible. A fast cover for arbors, walls, fences and trellises.SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dolichos lablabALTERNATE NAMES: Lablab bean, bonavist bean