80-100 Days to maturity. Psophocarpus tetragonolobus. Winged Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, heirloom, open-pollinated, heat-tolerant, pole, snap, Asian, specialty bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This Winged bean is grossly underutilized in much of the world. It has the potential to be prominent in food production when people recognize its great worth. This unassuming bean has a similar high-protein content to the widely used soybean. Every part of the plant is high in protein; even the flowers can be up to 15 percent! Winged beans are originally tropical and thrive in regions with heavy rainfall, but can be adaptable to multiple climates. ~110 seeds/oz. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Psophocarpus tetragonolobus Hardiness Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter Days to Maturity: 80-100 Days to Germination: 5-10 Seeding Depth: 1 inch Direct Sow: Yes, direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 60 F. Planting with an inoculant may increase yields, but is certainly not required for a successful grow. Start Indoors: Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting. Bean Pollination: Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having a variety of pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by ensuring the greatest chances for pollinating events to occur. Snap or Shell Bean: Snap - Snap beans have a fleshy edible pod. Snap beans are also commonly referred to as string beans or green beans (though not all snap beans are green). They are called snap beans because they make a snapping sound when you break them in half. Pole or Bush Bean: Pole - Pole beans are vining-type plants that put out runners that grow very long or tall. Pole beans are so-called because they require a trellis, support, or wait for it… a pole. Pole beans require more effort than bush beans but may also be grown in containers with the right support. Bean Sub-Type:Asian - Asian beans encompass a wide spectrum of bean varieties either originating from Asia or being especially popular in Asian cultures. Specialty - There are many subcategories of beans, and in the interest of simplifying what would be an overwhelming number of bean varieties, we group them as 'specialty'. These include but are not limited to yardlong beans, winged beans, hyacinth beans, sword beans, asparagus beans, adzuki, mung, garbanzo, and others. Plant Spacing: 24 inches Row Spacing: 36-48 inches Plant Height: 120-156 inches Plant Width: 24-36 inches Growth Habit: Vining Growth Speed: Late - Ready for harvest around 86 days or more. Deer Resistant: No Soil Preference: Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. Temperature Preference: Warmer (70-85 F). Germination Temperature: 70-90 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keeping your bean plants clean from dust build-up and surrounded by a variety of plants to help deter and prevent pest damage. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. Winged Bean Color: Green Winged Bean Flavor: Sweet, nutty, and similar to asparagus or snow peas. Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container Bean Use: Used in stir-fries, curries, soups, and as a raw vegetable. Climate Tolerance: Heat Growing Winged Beans in the Vegetable Garden For better germination, pre-sprout seeds indoors by soaking in water for 24 hours until swollen and then keep at 77 F until sprouted. Scarify seed coats (gently rub with sandpaper) of the ones that did not swell and resoak. Plant them as soon as they start to germinate. Winged beans should be planted directly in the garden, as they do not transplant well due to their delicate root systems. Sow seeds about 1-2 inches deep in the soil. If you live in a cooler region, you can start seeds indoors in biodegradable pots that can be directly planted in the garden without disturbing the roots. Winged beans thrive in warm, tropical climates, so soil temperatures should be at least 75 F for germination. Plant seeds 24 inches apart to give each plant sufficient space to climb and spread. Rows should be spaced about 36-48 inches apart. Provide sturdy trellises or stakes immediately after planting. Winged beans need consistent moisture but should not sit in waterlogged soil. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. While winged beans fix nitrogen in the soil, they benefit from additional fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) during planting and again midseason. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to leaf growth at the expense of flowers and pods. While winged beans fix nitrogen in the soil, they benefit from additional fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) during planting and again midseason. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers and pods. Harvesting Winged Beans Pods are best harvested while young and tender, at about 6-9 inches long, usually 2-3 weeks after flowering. 3-4 weeks after flowering, the pods become fibrous and undesirable for eating. Wait until the pods turn brown and crack open (about six weeks after flowering) for dry bean harvest. Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut pods from the vine carefully to avoid damaging the plant. Regular harvesting encourages more pod production. If you plan to save seeds, leave a few pods to mature and dry on the vine. About Winged Bean Garden Seeds Almost every part of the plant is edible. The young beans are used as a vegetable similar to green beans; the leaves are cooked and eaten like spinach; the roots are similar in usage and texture to potatoes; the flowers are edible and used as garnishes or dyes. Lastly, the dried seeds can be ground and used for flour. Winged beans are native to Southeast Asia and have a long history as a subsistence crop in tropical regions, where their versatility as a food source and ability to improve soil fertility made them a staple. Alternate names: Asparagus pea, Winged pea, Four Angled bean, four-cornered bean, Manila bean, cigarillas, Princess bean, goa bean, kecipir, and Dragon bean. Stories From Our Gardeners "The more I learn about the different fruits and vegetables this abundant earth offers, the more I realize how narrow-minded most of western society is when it comes to food. Skip the classic french beans this year and opt for the ever-useful winged bean!" - Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer Other Resources Examples Of Seed Variation - Natural Vs Man-Made Materials Winged Bean Seeds Per Package: 5 g - Wholesale - Approximately 20 Seeds 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 440 Seeds 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 1,760 Seeds Non-GMO Winged Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
