Winged Bean Seeds (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) | Asparagus Pea

Grow Distinctive Winged Pods on a Tropical Climbing Vine

Bring something different to your warm-season garden with winged bean, also known as asparagus pea. Its green pods have four prominent ridged edges and grow on vigorous climbing vines. Give the plants a sturdy trellis, then harvest young, tender pods for cooked stir-fries and curries.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Psophocarpus tetragonolobus
• Common names: Winged bean, asparagus pea, four-angled bean
• Growth habit: Climbing vine; may reach approximately 15 feet in suitable conditions
• Climate: Tropical perennial, grown as a seasonal crop where winters are cold
• Harvest: Young, tender, four-winged green pods
• Product supplied: Seeds for planting, not live plants

Planting your seeds

Sow after frost risk has passed, when the soil and weather are consistently warm. Choose a sunny position with well-draining soil. Plant approximately 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Install sturdy climbing support at planting so the vines have room to develop.

Growing and care

Keep soil consistently moist during establishment without waterlogging. Guide young vines toward their support and monitor soil moisture during hot or dry weather. Pinching the growing tips when vines are approximately 12 inches tall can encourage branching. Growing results depend on climate and the length of the warm season; flowering and harvest timing can vary.

Harvest and kitchen use

Pick immature pods while they are tender, before they become tough and fibrous. The existing variety guidance suggests checking for harvestable pods approximately 2–3 weeks after flowering. Cook young pods in stir-fries, curries, or other vegetable dishes.

Food preparation

These seeds are supplied for planting, not ready-to-eat food. Do not eat dried beans raw; harvested mature beans require thorough cooking. This listing focuses on cooked young pods rather than making a blanket claim that every plant part is ready to eat.

Available quantities

Choose from the 10-seed, 25-seed, 1-ounce, 4-ounce, or 1-pound options. Weight-based packets are sold by weight, not a guaranteed seed count.