When to Plant Asparagus Pea (Winged Bean) in Melbourne — Cool Temperate Guide

Two distinct plants are sold under these names in Australia. The true Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) is a vigorous tropical climber where all parts are edible. The Asparagus Pea (Lotus tetragonolobus) is a small temperate annual with winged pods. This guide covers both, clearly distinguishing them. The Winged Bean is the more useful food crop but is strictly tropical/subtropical.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 21.9°C (optimal range: 22–35°C) ✗ Outside optimal range

How to Grow Asparagus Pea (Winged Bean) in Cool Temperate Australia

When to Plant

Asparagus Pea only, sow November-December in warmest microclimate available. Winged Bean will not grow here at all.

Soil
Well-drained, fertile loam enriched with compost. Winged Bean tolerates poor soils due to nitrogen fixation. Asparagus Pea prefers lighter, sandy soils.
pH Range
5.5-7.0
Sunlight
Full sun (minimum 6 hours). Winged Bean requires short days to flower in many varieties.
Spacing
30cm apart, 60cm between rows
Watering
Regular deep watering during flowering and pod development. Winged Bean is moderately drought tolerant once established but produces best with consistent moisture.

Companion plants: Corn, Sweet Potato, Cucumber

Avoid planting near: Onions, Garlic, Other Alliums

Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Asparagus Pea (Winged Bean)

Recommended Varieties

  • Asparagus Pea (Lotus tetragonolobus) - marginal

Key Challenges

  • Very short warm season
  • Low yields
  • Late frosts kill seedlings

Pro Tips

  • Grow in pots against a north-facing wall for maximum warmth
  • This is a novelty crop only in cool-temperate zones
  • Focus on regular beans and broad beans for reliable legume crops instead

Harvesting Asparagus Pea (Winged Bean)

When ready: Winged Bean: Pods ready when 7-10cm long, still bright green and snap crisply. Wings (flanges) should be flexible, not tough. Asparagus Pea: Harvest at 2-3cm maximum length - larger pods are woody and inedible.

How to harvest: Pick pods individually with a gentle twist or cut with scissors. Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. For Winged Bean tubers, dig after vine dies back at end of season.

Get the Full Interactive Guide

Open the interactive planting dashboard with real-time weather, all pest alerts, and garden tracking.

Join Garden Buddy for premium features: disease management, seed saving, preservation guides,.