Name: Organic 'Green Hyacinth Bean' Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Certified organic open-pollinated heirloom seeds Fabaceae

Gaia

Lablab purpureus

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameGreen hyacinth bean; lablab bean; Egyptian bean

FamilyFabaceae

GenusLablab

Speciespurpureus

CultivarGreen Hyacinth Bean

TypeCertified organic open-pollinated heirloom seeds

Botanical nameLablab purpureus

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 25 seeds

Organic 'Green Hyacinth Bean' Seeds (Lablab purpureus). Also called lablab or Egyptian bean, this heirloom develops into a vigorous vine covered with attractive purple flowers followed by flat green pods. It can reach 15 to 20 feet high and spread 3 to 5 feet when given sturdy support. Gaia identifies it as an annual open-pollinated crop certified organic by Ecocert Canada. The product option currently offered contains 50 seeds. Kew accepts Lablab purpureus in the Fabaceae family. This dramatic plant suits sunny trellises, arches, and seasonal living screens while providing an unusual edible harvest. 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 has warmed, 1 to 2 inches deep. Space seeds 3 to 4 inches apart and leave approximately 24 inches between rows. A temperature of 21 to 30°C, preferably around 26°C, supports emergence in 8 to 10 days. Install a tall sturdy trellis before the vigorous stems begin climbing. Grow in full sun and fertile well-drained soil. Water regularly without allowing standing water, especially during flowering and pod development. Maturity requires approximately 80 to 100 days. Guide young vines onto their support and preserve airflow through the dense growth. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated.

Harvest young immature green pods for cooking, or let pods mature and dry for seed. Complete preparation is essential: mature dry hyacinth beans contain cyanogenic glycosides and must be thoroughly boiled with the water changed several times before eating. Never eat raw or undercooked seeds. Finish drying in a ventilated location, then store thoroughly dry seed in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Keep seed intended for the next garden clearly labelled and separate from the culinary harvest. Cook young pods before serving and discard any material showing mould, spoilage, or incomplete drying.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Annual
Hardiness: Tropical annual grown after the last frost in Quebec and Canada

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; successive sowings may be made every three weeks

Propagation

Seed propagation; open-pollinated variety

Growing method

For Green hyacinth bean; lablab bean; Egyptian bean, 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. Install a tall sturdy trellis before stems begin climbing. Grow in full sun and fertile well-drained soil. Keep the ground evenly moist without standing water. Guide young vines onto the support and allow 80 to 100 days for maturity. 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. 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

Frost-sensitive crop; sow after the last frost in warmed soil

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Water regularly at soil level without saturating the ground, especially during flowering and pod development. 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.

Soil type

Fertile loose 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

Incorporate mature compost before sowing. Avoid excess nitrogen, which 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. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Seasonal care

For Green hyacinth bean; lablab bean; Egyptian bean, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Guide young stems onto a sturdy trellis, tie them loosely when needed, and monitor aphids, slugs, and leaf damage. Water at soil level and preserve good airflow through dense foliage. 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. Feed moderately according to soil fertility; steady growth is preferable to excessive or unbalanced fertilizer applications.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

Very large container of at least 50 to 75 L and 51 cm (20 in) deep per plant

Growing Green hyacinth bean; lablab bean; Egyptian bean in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. Growing in a very large container is possible with an independent sturdy trellis. Choose a container at least 20 inches deep with excellent drainage and full sun. Allow room for a vine reaching 15 to 20 feet. 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 4.6 to 6.1 m (15 to 20 ft) with support

Width / spread

Approximately 0.9 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft)

Flower color

Purple

Foliage color

Medium green

Foliage type

Trifoliate compound leaves

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Climbing, twining, and very vigorous

Edible parts

Cooked young immature pods; mature dry seed only after thorough boiling with several changes of water

Bloom period

Decorative clusters of purple flowers on climbing stems 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.

Fruiting

Flat decorative green pods following purple flowers 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 80 to 100 days

Harvest

Harvest young immature green pods for cooking. For a dry crop, let pods and seeds reach full maturity, then finish drying in a well-ventilated location. Mature dry seed requires thorough boiling with several changes of water before eating.

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: crop rotation, full sun, adequate spacing, and good airflow around developing 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 beans from alliums and beet. This list is not absolute; prioritize rotation away from other legumes, well-drained soil, and enough space to keep foliage dry and limit disease.

Garden use

In the garden, place Green hyacinth bean; lablab bean; Egyptian bean according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Grow Green Hyacinth Bean at the base of a very sturdy trellis, arch, or freestanding support in full sun. Its 15- to 20-foot vine quickly creates a seasonal screen covered with purple flowers followed by flat green pods. Allow approximately 24 inches between rows for access and airflow. Avoid fragile supports and gutters because vigorous mature vines become heavy. Flowers also add strong visual interest to pollinator gardens. Position the plant where its long growth will not smother smaller neighbouring crops. 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.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

For four servings, use 250 g mature dry hyacinth beans. Sort, rinse, and soak them overnight. Discard the soaking water. Cover with plenty of fresh water, bring to a vigorous boil, then discard that water. Repeat boiling in fresh water several times and continue cooking until the beans are completely tender. Never taste a bean before this preparation is finished. Drain. Sauté one onion in 15 ml oil, add 400 g tomatoes, 5 ml cumin, the fully cooked beans, and 250 ml water. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot and refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Never use raw or undercooked hyacinth beans in the finished dish. 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.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Reported toxicity

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators during flowering 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.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start 'Green Hyacinth Bean' seeds in Canada?

For Green hyacinth bean; lablab bean; Egyptian bean, the stated sowing period is Direct sow after the last frost; successive sowings may be made every three weeks. 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. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Green Hyacinth Bean' seeds take to germinate?

For Green hyacinth bean; lablab bean; Egyptian bean, 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 'Green Hyacinth Bean' in the garden?

For Green hyacinth bean; lablab bean; Egyptian bean, 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: Very large container of at least 50 to 75 L and 51 cm (20 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.

When and how should I harvest 'Green Hyacinth Bean'?

For Green hyacinth bean; lablab bean; Egyptian bean, the confirmed edible parts are: Cooked young immature pods; mature dry seed only after thorough boiling with several changes of water. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Some other parts of the plant may be toxic; use only the parts expressly identified as edible and keep the remainder away from children and animals. 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.