How to grow Lablab in Australia
Plant this climbing legume in full sun in well-drained soil after the weather warms, giving it a sturdy trellis or fence. Water regularly while young, then it tolerates dry spells once established.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Time to harvest: 70 days
- Time to germinate: 7 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | October to January | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | October to January | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | October to January | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | Not suited | Not viable in Melbourne. Needs tropical warmth. |
| Adelaide & SA | November and December | Sow Nov to Dec once soil passes 20C. Handles heat and dry better than common beans; frost kills it in autumn. |
| Perth & WA | October to January | |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. Needs tropical warmth. Not viable in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Not viable in Canberra. Needs tropical warmth. |
| North Queensland | September to March | Year-round in tropics. Vigorous growth. |
| Darwin & Top End | All year | Year-round in Darwin. Major tropical legume. |
Varieties
- Ruby Moon
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick the pods young and tender for eating fresh, before the beans bulge. Snap them off, or leave pods to dry on the vine for shelling beans.
Storage
Young pods fridge for 3 to 4 days. Dry mature seeds and store for months.