Guide to growing garden plants - Dolichos (Hyacinth Bean)
Dolichos are half hardy perennials that are usually grown as half hardy annuals in the garden.
They are shrubby climbers that may reach 9 metres in height.
Dolcichos blooms with pealike flowers of purple, yellow or white from summer until the first frost of winter.
Common names for Dolichos include Hyacinth bean, Lablab, Bonavist and Sarawak bean.
How to grow Hyacinth bean (Dolichos)
If planting outdoors then sow the Dolichos seeds into a sunny area of the garden after the last frost of spring; simply cover the seed with a light dusting of soil. When growing Hyacinth bean (or other Dolichos) indoors first, then you will first need to soak the seeds for a day in warm water before sowing. They will require about two weeks to one month to germinate at a temperature of about 21 degrees Centigrade. Once the seedlings are ready (about 7 or 8 weeks) they can be transplanted into the garden with a spacing of about 60 to 90cm.
Caring for Hyacinth Beans and other Dolichos plants in the garden
As Hyacinth beans are climbers they will require a trellis fro support when growing. Dolichos can only be reliably grown from seed so don't attempt to take cuttings or to divide plants.