Winged Bean

Winged Beans is a truly unique and versatile plant that will transform any garden into a wonderland of exotic flavor and beauty. Known for its waxy, frilled bean pods measuring 6-8-inch-long, this vigorous climber grows on 10 foot long vines and blooms edible pale blue flowers on lush green foliage, turning any garden into a wonderland. A major food crop of the South and Southeast Asia tropics, this incredible legume is wholly edible - the beans are eaten like soy beans, the leaves like spinach, and the roots like potatoes. Winged Bean is perfect for those looking for a high-yielding, fast-growing plant with unique culinary potential, adding exotic flair to soups, curries, stir-fries, salads, and soups. Winged Beans are incredibly nutritious, containing high levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The pods, leaves, and seeds are rich in essential amino acids, making this plant an excellent source of nutrition for vegetarians and those seeking plant-based proteins. Easy-to-grow and low-maintenance, Winged Beans are relatively hardy plants that can tolerate drought conditions better than many other legumes and are also resistant to many common pests, making them excellent for novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Also Known As: Goa Bean, Four-Angled Bean, 4 Wing Bean, Horned Bean, Manilla Bean, Asparagus Bean, Kecipir, Dragon Bean, Kangkung Bean, Jayanti Bean, Winged Pea, Sigarilyas, Pahoh Bean, Sigarilyas, Chathura Payar, Bayum, Shikaku Mame, Urizun.

Plant Name:	Winged Bean
Latin Name:	Psophocarpus tetragonolobus
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	75
Plant Height:	10 - 14 Feet
Spread:	6 - 12 Inches
Growth Habit:	Vining
USDA Zones:	3-12
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 8-12
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 3 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Winged Beans grow best in temperatures between 65F-85F. Direct-sowing is recommended. Plant beans in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 65F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 7-9 weeks before the first frost. Plant beans in hills about 3 feet apart in the row, placing a 6-8-foot stake in the center of each hill. Plant  3-4 seeds around the stake about 1 inch deep in the soil. If choosing to thin to the strongest plants, plant 4-5 seeds around stakes, determine the strongest and healthiest plants, then remove all other plants, narrowing to 3-4 plants per stake. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1-2 inches
Within-Row Spacing:	3 feet, stake
Between-Row Spacing:	3-4 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once plants start forming pods, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Winged beans can be harvested when the pods are still young and tender, but before they become fully mature and tough. The best time to harvest is about 2-3 months after planting, when the pods are about 4-6 inches long. For fresh consumption, pick the pods while they are still green, as they are more flavorful and tender at this stage. If you are harvesting for dried beans, allow the pods to fully mature on the vine until they turn brown and dry out. Use scissors or shears to carefully cut the pods from the vine, and be gentle to avoid damaging the plant. Harvesting at the right time ensures the best texture and flavor, whether you're eating them fresh or storing them for later use.