Asparagus bean

About Asparagus bean

Asparagus bean is an annual plant that grows 50 cm tall. It is self-fertile, so you only need one.

The flowers attract pollinators.

How to plant asparagus bean

Asparagus bean does best in full sun. It grows in sandy soil and loam, as long as the soil is well drained. It does best at a pH of 5.5–7.5. It does not tolerate frost, so wait until the frosts are over before planting out. In a forest garden it belongs in the herb layer.

Plant plants 30 cm apart, at least 15 cm.

A year with Asparagus bean

Spring. Start seeds indoors in March. Plant out in April. Protect it in April. Sow seed in April.

Summer. It has purple, pink, yellow, white and blue flowers in July and August. Water during dry spells in July–September.

Autumn. Harvest falls in September. It flowers in October.

Pests and diseases

Asparagus bean can be attacked by aphids, pod borers and leafhoppers. Diseases include cowpea mosaic virus and rust.

Companions and wildlife

Asparagus bean

Good for wildlife

PollinatorsPollinates the flowers

PestsAphids, pod borers, leafhoppers

DiseasesCowpea mosaic virus, rust

Good for wildlife

PollinatorsPollinates the flowers

Attacked by

PestsAphids, pod borers, leafhoppers

DiseasesCowpea mosaic virus, rust

The family

Asparagus bean is a variety of Cowpea, in the genus Vigna. Open a species to see what lies under it.

VignaGenusno page yet

CowpeaVigna unguiculata

Asparagus beansubsp. sesquipedalisThis page

Sources

Added to the wiki 12 October 2026