Name: Organic Cluster bean Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Certified organic open-pollinated seeds Fabaceae

Gaia

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba

From seed to harvest

Open-pollinated

Common nameCluster bean; guar bean; guar

FamilyFabaceae

GenusCyamopsis

Speciestetragonoloba

TypeCertified organic open-pollinated seeds

Botanical nameCyamopsis tetragonoloba

Reproducible seedsYes

Quantity per packetApproximately 25 seeds

Organic Cluster bean Seeds (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). This fast-growing annual legume produces clusters of green pods eaten as a vegetable while young and tender. Also called guar bean, it is adapted to warm, relatively dry conditions while benefiting from regular moisture during pod development. Upright plants reach approximately 2 to 5 feet high. Each Gaia packet contains approximately 25 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada. The variety is open-pollinated. Kew recognizes Cyamopsis tetragonoloba as an accepted species in the Fabaceae family. Plants can also contribute nitrogen to the garden through their legume root system. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Direct sow after the last frost, once soil is thoroughly warm. Place seeds 1 to 2 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart, with approximately 24 inches between rows. A temperature of 21 to 30°C, preferably around 26°C, supports germination in 8 to 10 days. Grow in full sun and light loose well-drained soil. Keep the row weeded during establishment because young guar plants can develop slowly at first. Water without saturating the ground, then adjust frequency for heat, drainage, and rainfall. Successive sowings at three-week intervals are possible where the remaining warm season is long enough. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated.

Gaia lists maturity at 70 to 80 days. For kitchen use, pick pods while they are young, green, and tender, before they become fibrous. Rinse them, trim the ends, and cook completely before serving in stir-fries, curries, or braised dishes. Refrigerate the clean dry harvest and use it promptly. For seed saving, instead allow pods to reach full maturity and dry with good airflow. Harvest before an extended rainy period, finish drying under cover, and store thoroughly dried seed in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Keep culinary pods separate from mature seed reserved for planting.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Annual
Hardiness: Warm-season annual, grown after all risk of frost

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

25 to 51 mm (1 to 2 in), direct sown

Spacing / density

7.5 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) between plants and approximately 61 cm (24 in) between rows

Germination temperature

21 to 30 °C (69.8 to 86 °F); ideally around 26 °C (78.8 °F).

Germination time

8 to 10 days

Sowing period

Direct sow after the last frost, once soil is thoroughly warm

Propagation

Seed propagation; open-pollinated variety

Growing method

For Cluster bean; guar bean; guar, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Direct sow after the last frost, 1 to 2 inches deep. Space seeds 3 to 4 inches apart and rows approximately 24 inches apart. Maintain soil at 21 to 30°C, preferably around 26°C; emergence occurs in 8 to 10 days. Grow in full sun and light well-drained soil. Weed carefully during establishment, then water regularly without standing water. Successive sowings every three weeks can stagger the harvest where the remaining warm season allows pods to develop. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral, approximately 6.0 to 7.0

Minimum temperature

Does not tolerate frost; sow once soil and air are thoroughly warm

Care level

Moderate

Drought tolerance

Yes

Watering

Water regularly without saturating the soil, especially during flowering and pod development. Established plants tolerate dry periods better, but prolonged drought reduces the harvest. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Soil type

Light loose warm well-drained soil Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Fertilization

A moderate addition of mature compost is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen because this legume can fix nitrogen and overly rich feeding promotes foliage at the expense of pods. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Seasonal care

For Cluster bean; guar bean; guar, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Keep the row weed-free during slow early establishment, water at soil level, and monitor aphids, slugs, and leaf damage. Harvest young pods frequently to preserve tenderness. When saving seed, allow selected pods to mature separately with good airflow. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Inspect foliage, stems, and leaf undersides regularly so stress or pests can be addressed early.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

Container of at least 30 to 40 L and 36 cm (14 in) deep per plant

Growing Cluster bean; guar bean; guar in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. Growing in a large container is possible in full sun. Choose a deep stable well-drained container with enough room for a plant reaching 2 to 5 feet high and 1 to 2 feet wide. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 0.6 to 1.5 m (2 to 5 ft)

Width / spread

Approximately 0.3 to 0.6 m (1 to 2 ft)

Foliage color

Medium green

Foliage type

Compound leaves generally composed of three leaflets

Growth rate

Slow

Growth habit

Upright, bushy, and branched

Edible parts

Young tender pods, fully cooked

Fruiting

Clusters of green pods harvested young and tender for cooking or left to mature for seed Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Days to maturity

Approximately 70 to 80 days

Harvest

For kitchen use, pick pods while young, green, and tender before they become fibrous. For seed, wait until pods and enclosed seeds are fully mature and dry; harvest before wet weather and finish drying under cover.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Gaia traditionally suggests corn, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, pea, radish, potato, squash, nasturtium, and rosemary. These pairings do not replace essential practices: full sun, legume crop rotation, weed control during establishment, and enough space to harvest clustered pods. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Plants to avoid

Gaia traditionally recommends separating it from alliums and beet. This list is not absolute; prioritize rotation away from other legumes, warm well-drained soil, and good airflow around foliage and pods.

Garden use

In the garden, place Cluster bean; guar bean; guar according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Place cluster bean in the warmest sunniest part of the vegetable garden. Its upright 2- to 5-foot habit provides vertical interest without requiring the tall trellis used for pole beans, although a light stake can support plants exposed to wind. Allow approximately 24 inches between rows for access, pod picking, and airflow. This legume suits edible plantings designed for relatively dry conditions, but even moisture improves pod development. Avoid shade and heavy ground that remains waterlogged. Harvest young pods frequently, or reserve clearly labelled plants for fully mature dry seed. Its clustered fruiting habit makes the crop easy to inspect and creates an unusual productive feature in a summer garden. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

For four servings with Cluster bean; guar bean; guar, harvest seeds, grain, or pods at the recommended stage and sort the crop carefully. Prepare about 250 g of edible material. Rinse under potable water; for dried beans or other pulses, soak when appropriate, discard the soaking water, and cook completely in fresh water before tasting. Drain, then combine with 30 ml of oil, 15 ml of lemon juice or vinegar, one small chopped shallot, and fresh herbs. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled with seasonal vegetables. Young pods and corn may be cooked separately to the desired texture before assembly. Never eat dried beans raw or undercooked. Refrigerate leftovers in a closed container within two hours and use them promptly. Serve promptly to preserve the texture and aromas that distinguish this harvest. Taste before adding more salt so the variety’s own character remains at the centre of the dish. Use a clean board and utensils, then refrigerate promptly any portion that will not be served immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start Cluster bean seeds in Canada?

For Cluster bean; guar bean; guar, the stated sowing period is Direct sow after the last frost, once soil is thoroughly warm. The recommended method is Seed propagation; open-pollinated variety, at a depth of 25 to 51 mm (1 to 2 in), direct sown. Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do Cluster bean seeds take to germinate?

For Cluster bean; guar bean; guar, the stated germination period is 8 to 10 days, with a germination temperature of 21 to 30°C; preferably around 26°C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow Cluster bean in the garden?

For Cluster bean; guar bean; guar, the recommended exposure is Full sun. The stated spacing guideline is the detailed directions in the product record. For container growing, the product record recommends: Container of at least 30 to 40 L and 36 cm (14 in) deep per plant. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Match the site to the plant's verified light, soil and spacing requirements.

When and how should I harvest Cluster bean?

For Cluster bean; guar bean; guar, the confirmed edible parts are: Young tender pods, fully cooked. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.