Hyacinth Bean ‘Ruby Moon’

Dolichos lablab

Features

  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Easy to grow
  • Heat-loving
  • Toxic
  • Vine

Description

This vigorous climber puts on a dazzling show from midsummer to frost, making it a must-grow for any gardener. Its eye-catching dark foliage is smothered in wine-colored pea-like blossoms. As the flowers fade, long stems covered in vivid, glossy plum seedpods appear. A unique, textural addition to bouquets. Its rich color pairs beautifully with almost any color palette.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 12 to 15 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 110 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 8 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seed indoors in 4-in pots 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Provide a trellis or study support for vines to climb.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when the purple beans have fully formed. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.

Details

Description

This vigorous climber puts on a dazzling show from midsummer to frost, making it a must-grow for any gardener. Its eye-catching dark foliage is smothered in wine-colored pea-like blossoms. As the flowers fade, long stems covered in vivid, glossy plum seedpods appear. A unique, textural addition to bouquets. Its rich color pairs beautifully with almost any color palette.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 12 to 15 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 110 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 8 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seed indoors in 4-in pots 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Provide a trellis or study support for vines to climb.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when the purple beans have fully formed. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Seed-Saving Mini Course

Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia

In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.