Bambara Bean Seeds | African yellow Groundnut

Grow Bambara beans, an African legume that forms its pods beneath the soil. After small yellow flowers are pollinated, the plant sends pegs down into the ground, where pods develop with one or two seeds each. This warm-season crop is noted for tolerating dry conditions and brings a distinctive harvest to the garden.

At a glance

• Common names: Bambara bean, Bambara groundnut
• Growth: Above-ground foliage with underground pods
• Pods: Usually one or two seeds per pod
• Conditions: Warm weather; noted for drought tolerance
• Available sizes: 10-seed packet, 30-seed packet, 1/4 lb, and 1 lb

Planting and care

Start seeds indoors about 3–4 weeks before transplanting if your growing season is short. Sow about 1 inch deep and transplant after frost danger has passed and conditions have warmed. Space plants approximately 8–10 inches apart. Once flowers form, leave the soil around the plants undisturbed so the pegs can develop underground pods.

Harvest and use

Harvest when the plants have matured and the soil is dry. Lift plants carefully, then check the soil for pods left behind. Dry and cure harvested pods thoroughly before storage. Cook the beans completely before eating them; their starchy texture suits soups and stews. A basket of underground-grown beans is a rewarding surprise at the end of the season.