Asparagus Peas - Looking For Advice

Hello everyone.....

Being a newbie to SFG, this is my very first post here on the forum. Having recently read Mel's wonderful book, hubby and I built our raised boxes today. We have all of the materials on hand to create our Mel's mix which we'll hopefully be working on this Wednesday (if it gets as warm as they're forecasting).

My question is actually related to growing Asparagus Peas (also known as Goa Beans and/or Winged Peas). Having ordered some from Seed Savers Exchange, I'm curious if others have tried growing them via SFG methods and - if so - what spacing did you use? There seems to be some variation as to how tall they get and how far they spread, so I want to be sure I give them enough room. Any other pointers you might have about them would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much for ANY info and thank you for allowing me to be a part of this amazing group ......Donna in NY

Donna

For the asparagus peas, check the "thin to" instructions to determine how far apart to grow them.
I have to admit, information on the internet is not consistant regarding the cultivation of the peas/beans except everyone agrees they take a lot of room and they are marvelous to eat. One site suggests trellises, another that they spread over the ground.

Check these links

CS Monitor Asparagus Peas

Mother Earth News Hunan Winged Beans

LA Times Asparagus Peas

Thank you Furbalsmom for the info and links. I think part of the confusion about this plant comes from the fact that there are two species that seem to "overlap" quite a bit with one another and it's sometimes hard to tell which plant people are referring to. As an example, in two of the links you provided, they refer to the one that has blue flowers and the other link discusses the one with red flowers.

To clarify, I actually have the seeds for the one with red flowers. I guess the bottom line is that I need to give it room to grow, whether up or out. I might need to redo my planting diagrams though to see if I still have some room along a trellis area for them. Better safe than sorry seems to be the need in this case.

Thanks again! I really do appreciate your input AND your warm welcome

No wonder I was so confused, especially when I could not find cultivation information directly from a seed merchant.