How to Grow Mung Bean
Vigna radiata
Mung beans are fast-growing warm-season beans, most famous as the source of bean sprouts but also excellent as fresh or dried beans. Sow direct into warm soil after last frost when soil temperature is at least 18°C. Plants grow quickly and need little attention. Harvest green pods for fresh eating, or leave to dry on the plant for dried beans or sprouting. The crop fixes nitrogen and improves soil for following crops.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 12°C and soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Mung beans fix their own nitrogen so extra feeding is rarely needed. A light balanced fertiliser at sowing on very poor soils is sufficient. Avoid high nitrogen which promotes leafy growth over pod production.
- Mung beans are fast-growing, warm-season legumes most widely known as the source of bean sprouts. They can also be grown outdoors for fresh or dried beans in warm summers. Being nitrogen-fixing legumes, they improve soil health. A crop can be ready in as little as 60-90 days from sowing in warm conditions.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 18°C+
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- Direct sow
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 10 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Sow depth | 2.5 cm |
| Mature height | 60 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Sow seeds 10 cm apart in rows 45 cm apart, 2-3 cm deep. Thin to 15 cm if plants are crowded.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 18°C |
| Base growth temperature | 12°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Mung Bean?
- Plant Mung Bean 10cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- Is Mung Bean frost hardy?
- Mung Bean is classified as Tender.
