Rice Bean (Vigna umbellata)

Vigna umbellata, commonly known as rice bean, is a tropical legume cultivated for its edible beans and as a forage crop. It is a fast-growing annual.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerant of a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures, ideal for tropical and subtropical climates.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Requires minimal fertilization due to nitrogen-fixing ability.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering.

Tolerates partial shade but may reduce yield.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Water more frequently during dry spells and pod development.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerant of a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures, ideal for tropical and subtropical climates.

Sensitive to frost.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Requires minimal fertilization due to nitrogen-fixing ability.

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Vine

Plant Category

Vegetable

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden

Plant Environment

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Lifespan

Annuals

Plant Height

0.3-0.6 m

Spread

1-3 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Compound

Flower Size

1-1.5 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

75000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Sep

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jun

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Azukia umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi

Dolichos umbellatus Thunb.

Phaseolus calcaratus Roxb.

Phaseolus chrysanthos Savi

Phaseolus hispidulus Hassk.

Phaseolus humilis Hassk.

Phaseolus leptospermus Lag.

Phaseolus pubescens Blume

Phaseolus ricciardianus Ten.

Phaseolus torosus Roxb.

Vigna brachycalyx Baker

Vigna calcarata (Roxb.) Kurz

Vigna papuana Baker f.

Vigna ricciardiana (Ten.) Babu & S.K.Sharma

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderFabales
familyFabaceae
genusVigna
speciesVigna umbellata

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Yes

Additional Care Tips

Provide consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Pruning is generally not required. Remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health and appearance. Can be trimmed to manage spread if needed.

Easily propagated from seeds sown directly into the garden after the last frost. Seeds can also be started indoors a few weeks prior to transplanting.

Not typically grown in pots. If grown in containers, repotting is usually only necessary if the plant becomes root-bound, typically every 1-2 years.

FAQs

Is rice bean edible?

Yes, the beans of Vigna umbellata are edible and commonly consumed after proper cooking. They are a good source of protein and carbohydrates.

What are the growing conditions for rice bean?

Rice bean thrives in full sun, warm temperatures (20-30°C), and well-drained, fertile soil. It requires consistent moisture, especially during pod development.

How tall does rice bean grow?

Rice bean typically grows as a low-spreading vine, reaching a height of 0.3-0.6 meters but spreading up to 1-3 meters wide.

Does rice bean fix nitrogen?

Yes, as a legume, Vigna umbellata has a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria that allows it to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil.

When is rice bean harvested?

Harvest time for rice bean is typically in the fall, once the pods have matured and dried on the vine.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering.

Tolerates partial shade but may reduce yield.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Water more frequently during dry spells and pod development.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerant of a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures, ideal for tropical and subtropical climates.

Sensitive to frost.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Requires minimal fertilization due to nitrogen-fixing ability.

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Additional Care Tips

Provide consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Pruning is generally not required. Remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health and appearance. Can be trimmed to manage spread if needed.

Easily propagated from seeds sown directly into the garden after the last frost. Seeds can also be started indoors a few weeks prior to transplanting.

Not typically grown in pots. If grown in containers, repotting is usually only necessary if the plant becomes root-bound, typically every 1-2 years.

FAQs