Bean, Velvet Seeds
$3.90
Unit price perMucuna sp.
Velvet Bean is a vigorous tropical legume producing fast-growing vines that can reach approximately 6 m in suitable conditions. A heavy-bearing climber, it develops rounded pods approximately 15 × 75 mm, with each pod containing up to four large seeds.
Well suited to tropical and warm subtropical gardens, Velvet Bean produces dense foliage and vigorous growth and requires a strong trellis, fence or other substantial support. As a legume, it is also valued as a green manure and cover crop, producing abundant biomass and helping improve soil through nitrogen fixation.
Young, immature pods of some cultivated Mucuna types have traditionally been eaten cooked. However, Mucuna species and varieties differ considerably in their levels of naturally occurring compounds, particularly L-DOPA, so identification of the particular strain is important when it is being grown for food rather than as a cover crop.
Velvet Bean has a long history in traditional medicine, particularly Mucuna pruriens, whose mature seeds are naturally rich in L-DOPA, a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. The seeds have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for nervous system support, reproductive health and as a restorative tonic.
Seed count: approximately 1 seed/g
Approximately 12 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Late spring to summer in warm locations
Cold climates: Generally unsuitable unless grown during a long, warm, frost-free season
Planting / Sowing
Sow directly once the soil is warm, approximately 2–3 cm deep. Keep moist during germination and establishment but avoid waterlogging.
Space plants approximately 60–100 cm apart and provide a strong trellis or climbing structure to accommodate the vigorous vines. Plants thrive in full sun, warm conditions and fertile, well-drained soil.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.
Not Available for WA
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