Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis

Spargelbohne

Common names: Meterbohne, Schlangenbohne

This description was machine-translated.

Description

The asparagus bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) is a heat-loving climbing plant in the legume family. It produces long, slender pods that can reach 40 to 70 cm in length on vines that may grow up to three meters tall. Originating from Southeast Asia and West Africa, it prefers warm, frost‑free conditions and thrives best in a protected, sunny spot with a sturdy trellis. Raw pods and seeds contain lectins that can cause gastrointestinal upset, so they should be cooked before consumption. Pods are harvested young and crisp, before the seeds become visible; cooked, they have a mild, nutty flavor and remain tender.

Care instructions

Sow after the soil has reliably warmed, typically mid‑May (week 20). Provide a tall trellis early so the plant can climb. Water regularly, especially during dry spells while flowering. Use a fertile, loose soil that retains moisture but avoids water‑logged spots. Harvest pods every few days once they reach full length; this encourages further flowering and extends the harvest into early autumn.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 6–78.0

Soil type

well-drained, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, loamy

LightFull sun

HardinessFrost-sensitive

Crop rotationLegumes

Water needMedium

Feeding

Medium feeder

Companion planting

Good neighbors

cabbage family (Brassicaceae)

particularly well established

Leguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.

For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

carrot family (Apiaceae)

Peas and beans provide carrot and celery with nitrogen and grow as shallow-rooted plants without competition next to each other.

For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

gourd family (Cucurbitaceae)

Beans and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, which cucurbits, as heavy feeders, can make good use of.

For example CucumberPumpkinCourgettepickling cucumberButternutHokkaido and 14 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

Rather not

amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)

particularly well established

Allium species inhibit the nitrogen‑fixing rhizobia of legumes through their root exudates, which slows their growth.

For example GarlicOnionLeekChivesDaffodilRocambole and 12 more species in the catalogue

Source: basic crop‑rotation rule

Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.

Some of these explanations were machine-translated.

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