How to grow Winged Bean

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus

Several growers say they prune the vines after about the 12th leaf appears. This causes the vines to send out as many as six side shoots, much like a grapevine, so you get a huge increase in pod production.3

Growing Winged bean from seed

The seeds have a hard coat that may affect germination, soak the seeds for 24-48 hours before planting. After soaking swollen seeds have better germination. Unswollen seeds can be scarified (scratched with knife, sandpaper, or file).1

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 3.9 inches (10.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.78 inches (2.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 21°C / 70°F to ensure good germination.

Harvesting Winged bean

The mature pods can grow up to 22 cm (9") long, though they taste better when picked small, no more than 15 cms (3") long. Most commercially grown beans are harvested at 10-15 cms. When the pods become too ripe, they get stringy and tough, but the flip side is that the seeds inside can be eaten just like your regular garden variety shelling peas. When fully mature and dried the seeds may be cooked by soaking in water for an hour and then boiling in water similar to beans.3

How long does Winged bean take to grow?

These estimates for how long Winged bean takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Winged bean to germinate?
5 days

Average 5 days | Min 2 days | Max 9 days (5)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Winged bean?
+ 30 days

Average 30 days | Min 30 days | Max 30 days (1)

Days to Maturity How long until Winged bean is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 65 days

Average 65 days | Min days | Max days (0)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Winged bean?
= 100 days

Other names for Winged bean

Goa bean, Princess bean, Asparagus pea, Four-angled bean, Wingbeans, Asian Winged Beans[1], Manila beans

Footnotes

1 Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds – Asian Winged Bean

2 Ever Green Seeds

fn3"Mother Earth":http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2007-06-01/Hunan-Winged-Bean.aspx

4 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winged_bean


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