Lablab | |
| Species: | Lablab |
| Scientific Name: | Lablab purpureus subsp. Purpureus |
| Cultivars: | Rongai (Australia), Rio Verde (from East Texas). |
| Growth Habit: | 3-7 feet long, Vine, 3 large leaflets pinnately divided. 'Rio Verde' flowers early (55 days after planting), typically in September, and is productive until frost. 'Rongai' is late flowering, and does not flower before frost. |
| Life Cycle: | Annual |
| Origin: | Africa |
| Production Season: | June to September. |
| Nutritive Value: | Varies depending on maturity (leaf:stem ratio) Usually medium to high crude protein; medium to high digestibility. Rongai has nutritive value similar to cowpea, with crude protein ranging from 24 to 28%. Does not cause bloat. |
| Use: | Grazing, creep grazing for calves, hay, green manure and for wildlife. |
Adaptation | |
| Soil: | Sandy-loam, clay-loam; well drained. |
| pH: | 5 to 7.5; Iron chlorosis might be present if pH >7.5. |
| Rainfall: | 26-118 inches. |
| Temperature: | Optimum growth between 64-86°F, minimum 31°F. Frost susceptible, however tolerates light frost. Tolerates cold better than velvet bean (Mucuna spp.) or cowpea (Vigna spp.). Tolerates high temperatures. |
Management | |
| Planting Date: | March |
| Planting Depth: | 1/4 - 1/2 inch |
| Seeding Rate: | 30-50 lb/acre; if interseeded 4-6
lb/acre. |
| Seed Cost: | $3/lb; $60/acre |
| Fertilization: | For fertilization info click this link |
| Production: | 4000-6000 lb/acre |
Notes | |
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