How to Grow Lablab in Australia
A warm-season fruiting crop for the home garden
Growing Lablab at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated beginner to grow. Free trellis cover, nitrogen fixer, ornamental and edible. The ultimate multi-purpose vine.
This guide covers when to plant Lablab in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Lablab is a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in October, November, December and January. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Ruby Moon
Deep purple pods and flowers on vigorous vines. The ornamental standard. Edible when young.
Try: Eden Seeds, Mr Fothergill's, Diggers
Position and Soil
Give Lablab full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 30cm+ with trellis, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 3 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 30 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 7 days, fastest when the soil is between 20 and 30 degrees.
Lablab purpureus. Also called hyacinth bean or dolichos. Stunning ornamental climbing bean with purple flowers and deep purple pods. Young pods edible (cook well). Mature seeds edible but must be thoroughly cooked. Vigorous tropical/subtropical climber. Fixes nitrogen. Excellent for Darwin, North QLD and SEQ summer gardens.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Pod borer and Bean fly. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Lablab is typically ready to harvest in around 70 days (about 2 months). Young pods fridge for 3-4 days. Dry mature seeds and store for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, lablab is good young pods sliced and stir-fried, mature beans cooked thoroughly in curries, flowers used as edible garnish and dried beans used in dal. Nutritionally: good source of plant protein and high in iron and B vitamins.
Companion Planting
Lablab grows well alongside Corn and Sunflower. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Lablab Growing
Add lablab to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lablab in Australia?
Lablab is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in October, November, December and January. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Lablab take to grow?
Lablab is generally ready to harvest in around 70 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Lablab in a pot?
Yes. Lablab grows well in a container of 30cm+ with trellis with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Lablab need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Lablab in the Plant Library
