When to Plant Asparagus Pea (Winged Bean) in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow August to March. Right now in September you can sow.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Asparagus Pea (Winged Bean) guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

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.

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
D D D - - - - D D D D D

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 22–35°C) ✗ Outside optimal range

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Asparagus Pea (Winged Bean) in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Winged Bean: Sow November-December after soil warms. May not flower until days shorten in March-April. Asparagus Pea: Sow September-November.

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

Subtropical Growing Tips for Asparagus Pea (Winged Bean)

Recommended Varieties

  • Winged Bean (from Boondie Seeds)
  • Asparagus Pea (Lotus tetragonolobus) as alternative

Key Challenges

  • Short growing season before cool weather arrives
  • Winged Bean may not flower before first cold snap in some years

Pro Tips

  • Start seeds indoors in September to get a head start
  • Choose a warm, sheltered, north-facing position
  • Winged Bean is marginal here. Some years are great, others produce nothing

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.

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

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Common Questions About Asparagus Pea (Winged Bean)

When do you plant asparagus pea in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does asparagus pea grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Jan to Mar, Aug to Dec. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.