Winged Bean

Winged Bean

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus

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• Tropical vine

• Tasty green "winged" pods

• Edible green leaves

Frost tender perennial that grows to 300cm (commonly grown as an annual). Is best suited to warm and tropical climates but can be grown in cooler climates with special care. Plants are tall climbing vines with green leaves producing violet/blue coloured flowers followed by green rectangular, four cornered beans. Beans are used as a vegetable and have a crunchy texture and asparagus-like flavour that is delicious both raw or cooked. Leaves are used as a leaf vegetable and are comparable to spinach. Flowers and roots are also edible. Also known as Goa Bean, Asparagus Pea, Four Cornered Bean, Four Angled Bean, Manila Bean, Winged Pea and Mauritius Bean. Good disease resistance.

How to sow and grow:

Method:	Raise seedlings
Sowing Depth:	20mm
When:	Mid-Spring and summer
Row Spacing:	100cm
Position:	Full sun, moist soil
Plant Spacing:	25cm
Hardiness:	Frost tender
Plant Height:	300cm
Days to Maturity/flowering:	60-80 days

*Notes:

Plants need a medium to climb over; trellis, A-frame or fence are all popular solutions. Pick regularly to encourage more growth. Pods are best when young and tender. Germination occurs best at around 25°C. Plants grows best at temperatures above 25 degrees.

Note: Scarification may be necessary: scratch or rub seeds with a knife, file or sand paper prior to sowing.

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