Popbean update
Some of you may recall that I planted a pot with nunas, Peruvian popbeans. I planted from an assortment, and picked two each of four types from the mix. (I also planted a different one elsewhere, but it hasn't had time to come up yet.)
They are definitely vining plants -- five feet and still reaching. I've had a few problems with lack of water and heat; more than many beans, I think these want a little more water and a bit less of the hot sun. Mine are shaded during the hottest sun, and I think it's helped.
Some got stressed but recovered well, and are behind a bit; the biggest, however (I think it was a white seed) has not only put out flowers, it's giving me two pods with at least one bulge each. Given the info out there about daylength sensitivity, I'll be interested to see whether all of them bloom before early September or whether it's just one or two of the five strains I'm trying right now.
I was starting very small with these, to get a feel for habit and climate requirements -- I'll be planning more for next year, in one of the spots that gets afternoon shade. But it does look as though there are some that would happily grow in places farther north, as they may like summer rains and slightly cooler temps than I get in my blazing yard. The daylength issue was the only barrier.
I'll keep notes on which ones seem to be the most adaptable, and I may have a much better idea of what I have by the end of next growing season.
--Alison
swvirginiadave
torquillOriginal Author