Varietal Characteristics -Species Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis
Easy to grow, fast growing, productive, thick pods/ good weight. Flowers are purple.
Soil and Climate
Prefers sandy loam soil with good drainage. Likes full sun.
Planting Suggestions
Prepare planting holes in advance by mixing one planting trowel of compost or aged manure with the soil per hole. Plant seeds directly in the prepared holes. Once 20-25 days old, prepare a trellis to allow the plants to climb.
Ideal planting distance: 40 cm x 40 cm between plants and rows.
Care
Fertilization: 1st time while preparing the bed before seeding. Then again at 25 days. Use compost or aged manure. (observe the crop to see if enough fertility if not may fertilize again)
Watering: Should water evenly in the right amount, not leaving them dry or over watering (observe the planting soil).
Pests and Diseases
No disease problems found. However some problems with aphids. In such case use chili pepper solution to spray the fruits.
Harvesting
Can start harvesting the beans from 45- 50 days after seeding.
Seed Saving
From about 35 days after seeding, the plants will start to flower. They will not all blossom at the same time. Once they all blossom, they will naturally be pollenated and start to form fruits (bean pods). The pods will be fully mature from about 60- 65 days and they can be gradually harvested for seed. When the pods are ready to harvest for seed, they will change to a brown colour, but not yet be dry. You should not wait until the pods are dry on the plant as the pods will take nutrients from the seeds which means the seeds will be weak. There is also a greater chance of insects attacking the seeds or fungus on the seed if left to dry on the plant. The mature pods should be dried for 1-2 days. When fully dry, you can remove the seeds by softly crushing the pods in a sack or you can manual open the pods to remove the seeds. Clean the seeds fanning away dust and debris. Remove bad or immature seeds. Dry the good seeds another day in the sun. Check that the seeds are well dried before gradually packing them in paper bags. Bags should be marked with the name of the variety, day, month, and year of harvest. Fold this paper bag and put into a plastic bag. Keep in the refrigerator for better longterm germination and minimal seed respiration. If so stored, can keep for over 2 years.
