Growing lablab (avarakkai) beans in southern Ontario

Farmer: Aarathi Edward-Paiva

Farm: Backyard Roots and Shoots

Region: West

Publish Date: November 11, 2025

Article Type: Research Project

Research Priorities: Seed Production, Selection & Breeding 

Aarathi wanted to see whether a bush or vining variety of lablab bean was more productive in southwestern Ontario. After germination challenges, the bush variety showed good potential with harvestable beans while the vining did not produce harvestable beans before frost. Aarathi was able to collect data on the bush variety as a first step towards determining its commercial viability.