Overview

The annual flower, hyacinth bean--also known as Dolichos lablab--was common in American gardens; according to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, "this heirloom vine has been grown at Monticello for years." Hyacinth bean produces a twining maroon vine that reaches upwards to 20 feet, with dark green leaves veined in maroon. The blossoms are spikes of small lilac-colored flowers that bloom from late spring to early winter. The maroon bean pods form shortly after the flowers appear and can be harvested for the next season.

Step 1

Select a site for the hyacinth bean that receives full to partial sunlight. The more sunlight this plant receives, the more it will flower.

Step 2

Prepare the soil a month before planting. Dig up the flower bed, remove weeds, rocks, and other garden debris. Mix compost, decayed manure or leaves into the soil to enrich it.

Step 3

Plant hyacinth beans after the last frost date. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep. Keep the soil over the seeds moist but not soggy. After the seedlings appear, thin the plants to 6 inches apart.

Step 4

Place a plant support for the hyacinth beans to climb. This can be a trellis, a garden pergola, a fence or porch rail.