Overview

Vigna subterranea is a climbing annual biennial in the genus Vigna, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vigna subterranea grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include edible crops and ornamental.

About

Vigna subterranea, the Bambara groundnut, is a climbing annual/biennial in the pea family grown as an edible crop and ornamental. It is deciduous and produces its summer flowers in the UK from July to September. Plant it in full sun in a neutral loam that drains well, and give a south-facing, sheltered position. As an H1c (tender) species it generally needs protection or cultivation under glass in British conditions.

About the genus

Vigna is a genus of plants in the legume family, Fabaceae, with a pantropical distribution. It includes some well-known cultivated species, including many types of beans. Some members of the genus were previously classified in Phaseolus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Vigna", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vigna

In the garden

Vigna subterranea belongs to the Fabaceae and is cultivated primarily as an edible crop while also used in ornamental planting. Its climbing habit means stems benefit from support where provided, and the plant will put on most of its above-ground growth during the warmer months. Flowers appear in the UK from July to September. Give Bambara groundnut a sunny, south-facing, sheltered site in neutral loam that is free-draining; wet, heavy soils should be avoided. The species is listed as H1c, meaning it is tender and will usually require protection in British gardens — a greenhouse, cold frame or an indoor container on a warm window or staging will extend the season and reduce risk from cold exposure. Its deciduous foliage will die back when conditions turn cool. Use it where you can provide warmth and shelter: an edible plot with a protective frame, conservatory or large container on a sunny patio. Provide a simple trellis or stakes for the climbing stems and position the planting where summer flowers are not exposed to prevailing cold winds so the crop and display are less likely to suffer from chill.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Vigna

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1c

Plant details

Vigna subterranea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Annual Biennial

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Edible crops, Ornamental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Vigna subterranea

Propagation

Seed

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions