Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho) Lupinus mutabilis
Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho) (Lupinus mutabilis) is an annual vegetable in the Fabaceae family, native to Andes of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–16 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 180 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (debittered) |
| Native to | Andes of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seeds
Raw seeds are bitter with quinolizidine alkaloids (lupanine, sparteine); they are soaked and rinsed in running water for days before eating.
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 Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho)
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 Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho)
- How far apart should I plant Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho) flower?
- About 11–16 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Raw seeds are bitter with quinolizidine alkaloids (lupanine, sparteine); they are soaked and rinsed in running water for days before eating.
- What grows well with Tarwi (Andean lupin, chocho)?
- "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).
- Lost Crops of the Incas (1989), US National Research Council, National Academies Press
- Andean roots and tubers, International Potato Center (CIP)
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Seeds are 40–50 % protein, among the richest of any legume. Blue, white and yellow flowers on the same plant; grown as an ornamental lupin in Europe.
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