Adzuki or "Azuki" bean is wildly cultivated through East Asia for its sweet and nutty flavor and red color, symbolic of good luck. Adzuki beans have a long history in Eastern Asia, used in events and ceremonies and even as medicine. Packed with protein and fiber, they make a nutritious and filling option for a variety of dishes. These beans have a mildly sweet flavor, which adds a delightful touch to both savory recipes like soups and stir-fries and sweet treats such as desserts or bean pastes for pastries. Adzuki bean is rich in protein and dietary fiber, as well as manganese, iron, and B vitamins. Whether you're looking to boost your protein intake or experiment with new flavors, Adzuki Beans are a positive addition to your garden. Also Known As: Azuki Bean, Red Mung Bean, Chinese Red Bean, Aduki Bean, Oriental Bean, Tiensin Red Bean, Vigna Angularis, Red Cowpea, Japanese Red Bean, Small Red Bean. Plant Name: Adzuki Bean Latin Name: Vigna angularis Days to Germinate: 7-14 Days to Harvest: 90 Plant Height: 18 - 24 Inches Spread: 12 - 18 Inches Growth Habit: Bush USDA Zones: 4-10 Lifespan: Annual Brand: TomorrowSeeds Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated GMO: No Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2026 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth. Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. Planting: Plant Adzuki Beans in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 60F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings outdoors 10-12 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 3 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-2 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. Planting Depth: 1 inch Within-Row Spacing: 3 inches Between-Row Spacing: 18-24 inches Care During the Season: Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once to twice a week. If there is no rainfall, water 3-4 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture. Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots. Fertilizing: Once plants start forming pods, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing. Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions. Harvesting: Adzuki beans are ready to harvest when the pods are fully mature and have dried on the plant. This typically occurs about 90-120 days after planting, depending on the growing conditions. Look for pods that are brown, dry, and brittle, indicating the beans inside have reached maturity. If harvesting for fresh beans, pick the pods when they are plump and green, but for dried beans (the most common use), wait until the pods are completely dry. Harvest before frost, as cold weather can damage the beans. To collect, simply pull the pods from the plant and shell the beans, or pull up the entire plant to dry indoors if wet weather threatens.
