Description

Hyacinth bean
Lablab purpureus

Annual. Vigorous climber, 3 m and over. Needs at least 1.50-meter support. Very ornamental, green and purple foliage, abundant purple pods. Pink and white flowers, much appreciated by butterflies and hummingbirds. Native to Africa. It’s also a fodder plant, medicinal, edible and poisonous. If you want to eat it, make sure you get the facts first.

Full sun or part shade, well-drained, rich soil. Direct sowing after any risk of frost or indoors 3 weeks before. 3 cm deep, 30 cm between plants.

Germination: 86% in January 2026
Ecological seeds produced at Catherine’s Ornamental Garden.