Mung bean Vigna radiata
Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is an annual vegetable in the Fabaceae family, native to India. It grows 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall and 30–40 cm (12–16 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
Plan Mung bean in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Mung bean at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 30–80 cm (12–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–40 cm (12–16 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.2–7.2 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 5–6 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 75 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: dry beans, bean sprouts, young pods |
| Native to | India |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇨🇳 China, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Mung bean toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
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 Mung bean
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 Mung bean
- How far apart should I plant Mung bean?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–40 cm (12–16 in).
- Does Mung bean need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mung bean need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mung bean?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Mung bean flower?
- About 5–6 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.
- Is Mung bean 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. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Mung bean?
- "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 A (A: strong evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- The bean of bean sprouts, dal and sweet bean pastes; a quick crop between rice seasons.
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