Grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, hyacinth bean is a dazzling ornamental with stunning, pinkish-purple flowers and shiny, dark purple pods that stand out against the purple and green foliage. Twining stems quickly climb a fence or trellis, trail across the ground for an attractive ground cover, or spill over container edges. Contains toxins; not recommended for eating. See inside for more information.

Variety Info

• Family: Fabaceae
• Native: Africa
• Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 10 and warmer, usually grown as an annual
• Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Bloom Period: Summer to frost
• Plant Dimensions: 10'–20 vine
• Variety Info: Loose clusters of 1" purple sweet-pea-shaped flowers followed by attractive, shiny, 3"–5" long purple pods.
• Attributes: Drought Tolerant, Good for Containers

Sowing Info

• When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 65°F, ideally 70°–85°F. Successive Sowings: Every 7 to 14 days up to 80 days before your average first fall frost date. NOTE: In very hot summer areas, skip sowing as high heat approaches; temperatures consistently above 90°F will prevent beans from forming.
• When to Start Inside: Not recommended. 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; use biodegradable pots that can be placed directly into the ground.
• Days to Emerge: 3–30 days
• Seed Depth: 1"
• Seed Spacing: A group of 2 seeds every 12"
• Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"