Climate and soil requirements: Cluster beans are warm-weather crops that grow best in hot and dry conditions. The ideal temperature range for growing cluster beans is between 25°C to 35°C. They prefer well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Seed sowing: Sow cluster bean seeds directly in the soil or in a seed tray. The seeds should be sown 2-3 cm deep and spaced 15-20 cm apart. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 5-7 cm, thin them to one plant per pot or hole.
Sunlight and watering: Cluster beans require full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. Water the plants regularly, especially during the early growth stages. Make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Cluster bean plants require regular fertilization to produce healthy pods. Apply organic manure or compost at the time of planting and every month thereafter.
Mulching: Mulching the soil around the cluster bean plants helps retain moisture and suppresses weed growth.
Pest and disease control: Cluster beans are susceptible to pests like aphids, whiteflies, and diseases like powdery mildew. Use organic or chemical pesticides to control these pests and diseases.
Thinning: Thin the plants regularly to ensure each plant has enough space to grow. Cluster bean plants should be thinned to about 30-40 cm apart.
Harvesting: Cluster beans take about 60-80 days to mature. The pods are ready for harvesting when they are about 10-15 cm long. Harvest the pods regularly to encourage more pod production.
In grow bags, the process is similar to growing in a home garden. Make sure the grow bags have good drainage and provide enough depth for the roots to grow. The same soil, sunlight, and watering requirements apply, but you may need to water more frequently as the soil in grow bags can dry out quickly.
Seed sowing: Sow cluster bean seeds directly in the soil or in a seed tray. The seeds should be sown 2-3 cm deep and spaced 15-20 cm apart. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 5-7 cm, thin them to one plant per pot or hole.
Sunlight and watering: Cluster beans require full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. Water the plants regularly, especially during the early growth stages. Make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Cluster bean plants require regular fertilization to produce healthy pods. Apply organic manure or compost at the time of planting and every month thereafter.
Mulching: Mulching the soil around the cluster bean plants helps retain moisture and suppresses weed growth.
Pest and disease control: Cluster beans are susceptible to pests like aphids, whiteflies, and diseases like powdery mildew. Use organic or chemical pesticides to control these pests and diseases.
Thinning: Thin the plants regularly to ensure each plant has enough space to grow. Cluster bean plants should be thinned to about 30-40 cm apart.
Harvesting: Cluster beans take about 60-80 days to mature. The pods are ready for harvesting when they are about 10-15 cm long. Harvest the pods regularly to encourage more pod production.
In grow bags, the process is similar to growing in a home garden. Make sure the grow bags have good drainage and provide enough depth for the roots to grow. The same soil, sunlight, and watering requirements apply, but you may need to water more frequently as the soil in grow bags can dry out quickly.