Cluster bean (guar) Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
Cluster bean (guar) (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is an annual vegetable in the Fabaceae family, native to Cultivated in India (wild ancestor likely African). It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Cluster bean (guar) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Cluster bean (guar) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 7–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–8 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 100 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young pods (cooked) |
| Native to | Cultivated in India (wild ancestor likely African) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India |
Is Cluster bean (guar) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
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 Cluster bean (guar)
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 Cluster bean (guar)
- How far apart should I plant Cluster bean (guar)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Cluster bean (guar) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cluster bean (guar) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cluster bean (guar)?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Cluster bean (guar) flower?
- About 6–8 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Cluster bean (guar) 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. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Cluster bean (guar)?
- "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).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- Drought-hardy pod vegetable; also the source of guar gum.
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