Cluster Beans

Also known as: Guar Beans;
Tamil Name: Kothavarangai; Scientific Name: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba;

Beginner Level

B G T

Planting/Sowing

Jun – Jul; Oct – Feb;

Harvesting

Jul – Aug; Nov – Mar;

First Harvest

~45 Days

General Info

Crop category	Legume
Life span	Annual
Type of crop	Bush
Part(s) of the crop to harvest	Pod
Avg. Height	1 to 2m

Climate & Humidity

For Cluster Beans, warm climate is suitable. This crop is able to withstand salinity.

Planting / Sowing

When to plant / sow seeds (ideal season):
Jun – Jul; Oct – Feb;

How to plant:
Direct sowing;

Soil Depth & Spacing Requirements

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in loose, well drained soil with lots of compost and farm manure mixed in it; seedlings will germinate in a few days. Thin out, leaving the healthiest plants 6 inches apart.

NOTE: Please go through the Guides in the Knowledge Base for more details on topics ranging from Spacing & Lighting to Soil and Nutrients.

Irrigation

Irrigate the plants once in 7 days during summer and once in 15 days during rainy season.

NOTE: Irrigation should depend on how moist / wet the soil is. Check your plants everyday to see if they require irrigation or not. Check the Watering & Irrigation guide for more info.

Harvesting

When to harvest
Harvest starts 45 days after planting. To use as a vegetable, harvest it young when seedpods remain slimy and soft in texture, and green in color. If you’re growing it for seeds, allow the pods to dry on plant.

How to harvest
Cut the pods with garden scissors. Avoid plucking else you may damage the plant.

NOTE: Harvest periods can vary depending on the environmental, climatic, soil conditions.

Pests & Diseases

Pests	Pod borers, Ash weevil, Leaf hopper, Aphids
Common Diseases/ Problems	Leaf spot, Powdery mildew
Pest and Disease prevention measure(s)	Read Pest & Disease Control for more information.

Did you know?

Guar gum is a food additive that is derived from Cluster beans. It is used as a thickening agent in a range of processed food, including icecream, and is known to have some health benefits. [Source]