DOLICHOS

Other Name: Hyacinth Bean

Period/Seasonal Colour: Summer to the first frost.Purple, white. Pea-like.

Height: 360 inches (900 cm).

Where To Plant: Sow Inside: Soak seeds for one day. Peat pots. Germination time: two to four weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.

When To Plant: 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.

How To Plant: Cover seeds. Following last frost. Spacing: 30 to 40 inches (75 to 100 cm).

Added Benefits: 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.

Tips: 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.