Lesson 6.17.0 MADAGASCAR BEANS - Phaseolus lunatus

 

FOOD FOREST COURSE

AGRO-ECONOMY

Lesson 6.17.0 MADAGASCAR BEANS - Phaseolus lunatus

 

The Madagascar bean is closely related to the Lima bean and shares the same size and shape.  The colour of the Madagascar is easily distinguishable from the plain white colour of the Lima, as splotches of magenta red and cream decorate this very attractive bean.  The Lima bean originated in South America and has been grown and developed on the coastal plains of Peru for 5000 years.

The Madagascar bean is popular in Permaculture gardens as it is so hardy, and it has a very long and productive life.  The vines can last up to five years if regularly fertilised throughout the growing season.   

 

Cultivation

The soil needs to be well prepared when planting a new Madagascar bean vine. 

The soil should be well drained and friable with a pH between 5.5 and 6.7.  Plant in mid spring, as this tropical bean loves the heat and should not be planted too early when the ground is still cold.  These beans require a long growing season before they become productive but once the vines are mature, they will keep on producing flushes of pods during the summer months and even throughout the year.  The vines will keep on producing for up to five years if well-tended.  A regular application of compost or worm castings in the warmer months is advisable for productivity.  The vines will flower in flushes and produce the green flat pods that at maturity will fill out with the beans inside.

It is advisable to check for even soil moisture when the vines flower and set their pods so that there will be abundance for harvesting later.  Beans are self-pollinating and as a rule don’t cross-with other beans.  The seed remains viable for around three years but it helps to freeze them for a couple of days to kill off any of the little weevils that are sometimes found crawling around and inside the skin.

Text from the roots, Elisabeth Ferkonia (Aus.) PDC studied with Bill Mollison,



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