Lotus tetragonolobus

Spargelbean

Common names: Red spargelbean, Winged bean

Photo: Magnus Manske · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

This description was machine-translated.

Description

The spargelbean (Lotus tetragonolobus) is a low‑growing legume that produces striking dark‑red flowers and distinctive, winged, square pods. Native to the Mediterranean, it thrives in a warm, sunny spot in the garden or in containers. When harvested young, the pods have a mild, nutty flavor reminiscent of a blend of sugar snap pea and green asparagus.

Care instructions

Spargelbeans prefer full sun and a warm climate with well‑drained, loamy soil. Sow directly in the garden from mid‑May (week 20) once night frosts have passed; the plant is frost‑sensitive. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging, especially during flowering and pod development. Harvest the pods young and tender, about 2 to 3 cm long, to encourage continued production over several weeks. A light mulch of straw or shredded leaves can help the trailing plant spread without touching the soil.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 6–7.58.0

Soil type

well-drained, sandy, lean, dry

LightFull sun

HardinessFrost-sensitive

Crop rotationLegumes

Water needMedium

Feeding

Light 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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