Also known as Broad Bean · Horse Bean · Japanese Jack Bean
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) is a vigorous, fast-growing herbaceous vine cultivated for its edible young pods and mature seeds. It produces attractive pink to purple f
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Requires full sun for optimal growth and pod production.
100% intensity
6+ hours direct sun
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
100% intensity
During growth and fruiting
Well-drained, fertile loam
50% intensity
Thrives in warm, tropical conditions; sensitive to frost.
100% intensity
Warm season crop
Outdoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during active growth.
100% intensity
Every 4-6 weeks
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes · rating 4/5 |
| Toxic for pets | Yes · rating 4/5 |
| Edible | Yes |
Raw mature seeds contain antinutritional factors, including canavanine, which can cause digestive upset. Young pods are generally safe to eat after cooking. Mature seeds must be thoroughly cooked to neutralize toxins.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Sword Bean requires consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development. Water deeply when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Reduce watering slightly as pods mature, but avoid allowing the plant to completely dry out, which can stress the vine.
Pruning is generally minimal for Sword Bean, primarily focused on training the vigorous vines onto a trellis or support structure. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged foliage to maintain plant health.
You can also pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth if desired, though this may slightly delay flowering and fruiting.
Sword Bean is primarily propagated from seeds. Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost, once soil temperatures are consistently warm (above 20°C).
Scarifying the hard seed coat by lightly nicking it or soaking seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours can improve germination rates. Plant seeds 2-3 cm deep and about 15-20 cm apart.
Sword Bean is typically grown directly in the ground due to its vigorous vining habit and extensive root system. If grown in a container, choose a very large pot (at least 40-50 cm in diameter) to accommodate its growth.
Repotting is generally not practical for this annual vine; it's best to start fresh from seed each season if growing in containers.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Fabales |
| family | Fabaceae |
| genus | Canavalia |
| species | Canavalia gladiata |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
