Lablab bean

Description

Lablab purpureus

A frost-sensitive relative of the pea that is distinguished by flat, paddle-like pods suspended from long, climbing vines. The pods develop from strikingly attractive, purple flowers, and have a rough surface that is shiny green and purple. They are at their eating best when about 100 to 110mm long – at this size, the pod walls are tender, and the seeds inside are small, soft and usually green.

The plants are heat lovers that grow vigorously inside a greenhouse or tunnel. They can also be grown outside in warmer parts of the UK, though harvesting begins later and yields are lower than with plants grown indoors.

Lablab beans are managed in much the same way as climbing French and runner beans. To start a crop, use the same sowing and transplanting dates. Likewise, train the vines up canes or strings so that they don’t grow along the ground. Harvesting begins in the summer and continues into the autumn.

Also known as Urdi.

Please note: Raw seeds – like those of French beans – are toxic. So cook the pods and seeds thoroughly before eating.

Approximate number of seeds per pack: 20