Bambara groundnut Vigna subterranea
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is an annual vegetable in the Fabaceae family, native to West Africa. It grows 20–35 cm (8–14 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 15 °C (59 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Bambara groundnut in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Bambara groundnut at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 20–35 cm (8–14 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 15 °C (59 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 5–7 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 130 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (fresh or dried) |
| Native to | West Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Is Bambara groundnut toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Cook dried seeds.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bambara groundnut
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Bambara groundnut
- How far apart should I plant Bambara groundnut?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Bambara groundnut need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bambara groundnut need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bambara groundnut?
- It tolerates about 15 °C (59 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Bambara groundnut flower?
- About 5–7 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks.
- Is Bambara groundnut poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Cook dried seeds.
- What grows well with Bambara groundnut?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Like peanut, buries its pods after flowering. Yields on poor sandy soils where peanuts fail.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis