Lablab purpureus
Helmbean
Common names: Lablab bean, Indian bean
Photo: Aris riyanto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
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Description
The Helmbean, botanically *Lablab purpureus*, is a vigorous climbing ornamental bean with violet flowers and glossy, often purple pods. It originates from warmer regions and requires a sunny, sheltered spot and a sturdy trellis of at least 2 m in height. The young, tender pods can be prepared like bush beans; the mature seeds and older pods are raw toxic and should only be eaten after thorough cooking. Keep raw seeds and hard pods out of reach of children and pets.
Care instructions
Sow the Helmbean after the last frost, around mid‑May (week 20), directly in the garden or start indoors in warm conditions from April. The soil should be loose, nutrient‑rich, and kept evenly moist; the plant does not tolerate waterlogging. Provide a firm trellis early on so the plant climbs quickly and flowers into autumn. Harvest young pods continuously to encourage further flowering, and protect the plant at cool nights with a cloth, as it is damaged at temperatures below 2 °C.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, nutrient-rich, humus-rich, loamy
Feeding
Medium feeder
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