garden
Mung bean
Vigna radiata
EdibleMedicinal
Edible PartsSeeds, Pods
Overview
A versatile Asian legume most famous in the West as the source of the bean sprouts found in stir-fries and pho. Whole mung beans are a staple across India and Southeast Asia, used in dal, desserts, and savory cakes. They sprout in just 3-5 days on a countertop, making them one of the most accessible homegrown fresh foods available.
Growing Conditions
LightPartial Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones12a — 13
Height0.91m
Spread0.2m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Bloom ColorYellow
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeWell-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Jun — Jun | Direct sow after all frost; needs 90-120 warm days; short-season varieties |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Aug — Sep | Harvest when pods are dry and brown; or eat green like snap beans |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow when soil is 65°F+; space 4" apart in rows |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Aug — Oct | Pick dry pods; thresh and winnow; or use for sprouting |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | May — Jul | Direct sow after last frost; drought tolerant once established |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jul — Oct | Harvest dry pods; excellent for sprouting in 3-5 days |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Mar — Jun | Direct sow in spring; also grows well as a sprouting bean |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Jun — Sep | Harvest when 90% of pods are dry |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Feb — May | Sow in spring; thrives in heat; also sprout indoors year-round |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | May — Aug | Harvest dry beans; store in airtight container |
Uses
Culinary
- Sprouted for salads, stir-fries, and spring rolls
- Cooked whole in Indian dal and soups
- Ground into flour for pancakes and noodles (mung bean vermicelli)
Medicinal
- Rich in folate, iron, and manganese
- Cooling food in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- High fiber and protein support blood sugar regulation
Other Uses
- Fast-sprouting for home sprout production
- Nitrogen-fixing summer cover crop
