Grow a high-yielding heirloom Dolichos bean vine that produces tender, flavorful green pods perfect for home gardens and backyard harvests. Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus), also known as Paadhu Chikkudu, Avarekai, Sem Bean, or Hyacinth Bean, is a vigorous climbing vegetable prized for its excellent taste, fast growth, and abundant pod production.
This traditional vegetable has been cultivated for centuries across India, Africa, and Asia, where it is valued both for its nutritious pods and reliable productivity.
Our Inherited Seeds Dolichos Bean Seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, and ideal for gardeners who want productive climbing beans for trellises, fences, raised beds, or container gardens. Once established, the vines grow rapidly and begin producing shiny green tender pods that are perfect for curries, stir-fries, and traditional vegetable dishes.
Plant Profile
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Climbing Bean / Vine Vegetable |
| Botanical Name | Lablab purpureus |
| Common Names | Dolichos Bean, Hyacinth Bean, Indian Bean |
| Growth Habit | Indeterminate Climbing Vine |
| Pod Length | 8–9 cm |
| Pod Appearance | Medium long, shiny green pods |
| First Flowering | ~45–50 days |
| Harvest Window | 70–90 days after planting |
| Sun Requirement | Full Sun |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Grow |
| Plant Support | Trellis, poles, fence, or arbor |
Why Gardeners Love Dolichos Beans
Dolichos beans are one of the most productive climbing vegetables for home gardens.
- Extremely productive vines
- Tender pods with excellent taste
- Fast growing climbing plant
- Ideal for vertical gardening
- Perfect for trellises and garden arches
- Suitable for containers and raised beds
- Popular vegetable in Indian, Asian, and tropical cuisines
Dolichos beans also have excellent keeping quality, meaning pods stay fresh longer after harvest.
Common Names Around the World
Dolichos beans are known by many names depending on region and language. Including these names helps gardeners easily identify the plant they are familiar with.
Indian Regional Names
- Telugu: Chikkudu, Chikkudukaya, Paadu Chikkudu
- Kannada: Avarekai, Avarekaalu, Hitikida Avarekai
- Tamil: Mochai, Mochai Kai
- Malayalam: Avarakka, Avarakkaya
- Hindi: Sem, Sem Phali, Sem Ki Phali
- Marathi: Ghevda, Ghewda
- Gujarati: Papdi, Surti Papdi
- Bengali: Sheem
- Odia: Simba
- Punjabi: Sem Phali
International Names
- English: Hyacinth Bean, Dolichos Bean, Lablab Bean, Indian Bean
- Botanical Name: Lablab purpureus
- Africa: Lablab Bean, Egyptian Bean
- Philippines: Bataw
- Indonesia / Malaysia: Kacang Koro
- China: Bian Dou
- Thailand: Tua Khaek
- Vietnam: Đậu Ván
Growing Dolichos Beans Successfully
Dolichos beans are vigorous warm-season climbers that grow best with plenty of sunlight and fertile soil.
Soil Requirements
Dolichos beans prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Recommended soil mix:
- 50% garden soil or raised bed soil
- 25% compost or vermicompost
- 25% coco coir or peat moss
This mixture provides excellent drainage, aeration, and organic nutrients. Adding a small amount of neem cake or neem powder can help improve soil health.
Seed Sowing Guide
- Sow seeds ½–1 inch deep in soil
- Space seeds 4–6 inches apart
- Water gently after planting
- Seeds typically germinate in 5–10 days in warm soil
Once seedlings grow 6–12 inches tall, thin them so that 1–2 strong plants remain.
Growing in Containers
Dolichos beans grow very well in containers when provided enough space and support. Recommended container sizes:
- Minimum 16-inch pot
- 15×15 or 18×18 inch grow bags
- Large raised beds
Always provide trellis or vertical support so vines can climb and produce maximum yield.
Light Requirements
Dolichos plants require full sunlight. Ideal conditions:
- 6–8 hours of sunlight daily
- Warm temperatures
- Good airflow
Plants grown in full sun typically produce more flowers and pods.
Watering Needs
Dolichos beans prefer consistent moisture but not soggy soil. Watering tips:
- Water when topsoil becomes dry
- Ensure containers have proper drainage
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
- During hot summer weather, plants may require daily watering
Common Growing Issues
Dolichos beans are generally easy to grow, but gardeners may occasionally see:
- Leaf curling
- Whiteflies
- Mealybugs
These problems can often be controlled using neem oil spray or organic insecticidal soap. Healthy soil and good airflow greatly reduce pest problems.
Harvesting Dolichos Beans
Dolichos plants begin producing pods 70–90 days after planting. For the best flavor and texture:
- Harvest pods while young and tender
- Pick regularly to encourage more production
- Avoid letting pods become overly mature
Frequent harvesting helps plants produce larger yields over time.
Culinary Uses
Dolichos beans are widely used in Indian and Asian cuisines. Common culinary uses include:
- Vegetable curries
- Stir-fried dishes
- Rice preparations
- Lentil and bean stews
- Traditional South Indian dishes
Young pods are tender, flavorful, and nutritious.
Seed Quality Promise – Inherited Seeds
At Inherited Seeds, we are passionate about preserving traditional vegetable varieties. Our seeds are:
- Open-pollinated heirloom seeds
- Non-GMO
- Carefully selected for home gardeners
- Suitable for raised beds, containers, and backyard farms
Our goal is to help gardeners grow traditional vegetables and plant a piece of history.