Sow in spring, in pots or trays of moist compost, just covering the seed, in a propagator or airing cupboard at 20-25C (68-77F).
Keep moist using tepid water.
Remove from the airing cupboard, when the shoots appear.
When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings to 7.5cm (3in) pots, and grow on at 13-15C (55-60F).
When well grown gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out 30cm (12in) apart in late spring/early summer after all risk of frost has passed in moist but well-drained soil and a sheltered sunny position. P
lants can also be grown in a 20-25cm (8-10in) pot in a greenhouse or conservatory up tripods in large containers.
Train plants up bamboo canes, wires or similar supports as you would sweet peas or runner beans.
Water regularly during warm, dry periods.
Feed every two weeks with high potash potassium fertiliser.
Mist the air around plants growing under glass to keep the atmosphere moderately humid, or damp down the greenhouse path, ideally three times a day.
Roots can be lifted at the end of the growing season, before the first frosts, and overwintered in a warm greenhouse.
Alternatively, allow pods to mature at the end of the season and save seeds for the following year.
Young pods can be eaten like sugar snap peas and young leaves, steamed or lightly boiled like spinach.
Harvest pods regularly when small. Old, mature pods can become stringy.
Lablab purpureus ‘Ruby Moon’: Deep purple tinted flowers and pods.
Wind damage and cold: Plants can be damaged by cold wind and low temperatures.
Remedy: ‘Harden off’ carefully before transplanting outdoors in a sheltered sunny site, warm the soil before planting, cover transplants with cloches or horticultural fleece.
Find out more information on weather damage