Knowing the pruning needs of your plant is a big part of good cultivation. Does hyacinth bean need pruning? It certainly needs training and support with its wild, rapid growth of up to 8 feet (2 m.) in a season. Pruning may sacrifice flowers, but if the plant gets out of control, you know when to prune hyacinth bean. Pruning is strictly for aesthetics and to keep the plant in a habit you require. Pinching when young is also useful to control the plant and direct growth as you want it to grow.
Does Hyacinth Bean Need Pruning?
Hyacinth bean, also known as Lablab, is a vigorous climbing annual. It is a warm season plant native to Africa, but it has become an established food crop in many other countries. The ornamental aspect of the plant has taken off in warmer parts of the Americas. Deeply purple beans and amethyst and violet blossoms make the plant an attractive addition to any landscape.
Hyacinth bean pruning isn't strictly mandatory, but it does help keep the growth of this speedy sprouter in check, so it’s always a good idea to learn how to prune a hyacinth bean and establish a healthier, more sturdy set of vines.
Hyacinth bean is just the plant to cover an old fence, rotting outbuilding, or scramble over downed logs. Its growth is rapid, and the numerous vines quickly cover anything in the plant's path. Vertical training is useful to keep the plant in some semblance of order.
Brand new baby vines should be pinched when they get two or more sets of true leaves. This won't hurt them but will force the ends to branch off and produce more vines. That keeps the plant looking bushy, not spindly with just a few vines. More vines mean more bright flowers and purple pods.
The vines are generally annual to semi-perennial and need to be started by seed every year except in cases where the plant drops seed and is allowed to self-sow.
Tips on Pruning Hyacinth Bean Plants
When to prune hyacinth bean can be as important as how to prune hyacinth bean. That is because if you time the pruning just right you may be able to get a fall bloom. This only works in areas with mild fall weather that rarely freezes and in areas with long growing seasons.
When flowers begin to slow, it is time for hyacinth bean pruning to rejuvenate the vines and hopefully get another burst of growth and flowers. Cut plants back to within 6 inches (15 cm.) of the ground. New sprouts should form and grow quickly. Expect another flush of flowers but probably not beans in fall. You will need to retrain the vines as they sprout anew to give them plenty of air circulation and keep blooms in the best sun exposure.
When pruning any vine or plant, always use clean, sharp tools to prevent injury and the spread of disease. Hyacinth bean pruning occurs just above a bud node. This will ensure that the bud can still sprout and send out new growth in the case of late summer pruning for additional blooming.
Vines generally die back to the ground in areas that get cold season temperatures below 32 degrees F. (0 C.). In areas that don't experience such low temperatures, cut the plants back to 6 inches (15 cm.) from the ground and cover them over with mulch.
Pull away the mulch in spring and, in most cases, the vines will have overwintered and will recommence growth.
-
My DIY Orchid Potting Mix Boosts Blooms & Saves Money – Here's The Easy Recipe That Can Be Tailored To Any SpeciesForget overpriced store mixes – this DIY orchid potting medium improves drainage, supports strong roots, and encourages maximum flowering.
-
Types Of Orange Tomatoes To Grow In Your Garden – Add Color And Sweetness To Any Dish!Orange tomatoes are a great way to add variety to your vegetable garden and your cooking this summer. Our guide helps you pick the best types for your needs.
-
Grow Ornithogalum Candicans: Add Sparkle To Borders With Summer HyacinthLooking like a giant snowdrop, Ornithogalum candicans lights up summer borders. Find out how to grow summer hyacinth for bright white blooms.
-
Hyacinth Bulb Itch – What To Do For Hyacinth Skin AllergyHyacinth is a popular fall planted bulb for cheerful, fragrant spring blooms. These flowers help to drive away winter glooms. Unfortunately, hyacinth irritation can be an issue. Learn more about this skin problem, referred to as hyacinth bulb itch, in the following article.
-
Feather Hyacinth Plants – Tips For Planting Feathered Grape Hyacinth BulbsThe feather hyacinth, aka tassel hyacinth plant, can add another cool textural element to the garden with their feathery plumes. If you have some of these bulbs and are ready to go, click this article for tips on how to grow a Muscari feather hyacinth, including tips on their care.
-
Growing Amethyst Hyacinths: Information On Amethyst Hyacinth PlantsGrowing Amethyst hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Amethyst’) couldn’t be much easier and, once planted, each bulb produces one spiky, sweet-smelling, pinkish-violet bloom every spring, along with seven or eight big, shiny leaves. Learn more in this article.
-
Desert Hyacinth Information – Learn About The Cultivation Of Desert HyacinthsDesert hyacinth is a fascinating desert plant that produces tall, pyramid-shaped spikes of dazzling yellow blooms during the spring months. What makes desert hyacinth plants so interesting? For more desert hyacinth information, click this article.
-
Hyacinth Seed Propagation – How To Grow Hyacinths From SeedAs hyacinth flowers fade and small green seed pods begin to form in their place, you may wonder, can you propagate hyacinth seeds? Click this article to learn about saving hyacinth seed and hyacinth seed propagation.
-
Hyacinth Bean Vines: Tips On Growing Hyacinth Beans In PotsWith purple flowers and striking fuchsia pods, hyacinth bean vines brighten up any garden. But what if you don't have a garden? Is it possible to grow these beauties in a pot? Click this article to learn more about how to plant hyacinth beans in containers.
-
Digging Grape Hyacinths: How To Store Hyacinth Bulbs After FloweringGrape hyacinths are easy to dig up after flowering. Can you replant grape hyacinths? Yes, you can. Use the following article to get all the info you need about how to store hyacinth bulbs after flowering. Click here to learn more.
