Seed Beans Dolicos 10 gm

Dolichos Beans (Lablab purpureus), also known as Hyacinth beans or Seem beans, are widely grown in India for their edible pods, seeds, and forage. These vibrant green pods are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making them a healthy choice for your kitchen. Here’s how you can successfully cultivate them:

Climate & Season

• Ideal temperature: 20-30°C. Needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Dolichos beans can be grown in pots, throughout the year in warm climates.
• Best Sowing time:
  • Monsoon crop: June–July
  • Winter crop: September–October 
  • Summer crop: January–February (only in regions with mild summers)

Soil Preparation

• Prefers well-drained loamy or sandy loam soil with good fertility. Mix organic compost or farmyard manure (FYM) before planting.
• For growing in pot, use mixture of garden soil (40%), Compost (30%) and Cocopeat or Sand (30%) for good aeration.

Planting from Seeds

• Sow seeds 1–1.5 inches deep with a spacing of 30 cm between plants and 45–60 cm between rows. Germination takes 7–10 days.
• To grow beans in pot, use 15-20 inch deep pot with drainage holes. Sow 2–3 seeds per pot, 1.5 cm deep. Germination takes 6–10 days. After germination, thin out weaker seedlings, keeping the healthiest one. You can keep 1–2 plants per pot for proper growth.

Watering

• Needs moderate irrigation, especially during flowering and pod formation. Avoid waterlogging as it can cause root rot.

Fertilization

• Use organic fertilizers like vermicompost or cow dung manure every 15 days. Add balanced NPK fertilizers, to promote vegetative growth once in a month. And during flowering stage, apply fertilizer rich in potassium to boost yield.

Training & Support

• Dolichos beans are climbers, so they require staking or trellis support for better growth and yield.
• Use bamboo poles, wire mesh, or vertical nets to support the vines.

Pest & Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Aphids & Whiteflies – Use neem oil or insecticides like imidacloprid.
• Pod borers – Spray neem extract.

Diseases:

• Powdery mildew & Rust – Use sulfur-based fungicides.
• Root rot & Anthracnose – Avoid waterlogging and use copper fungicides.

Harvesting

• Green pods can be harvested 60–75 days after sowing. Pick beans when they are young and tender (before they mature and harden). Harvest regularly to encourage continuous pod production.