DLH 867
About this variety
DLH 867 is an F1 hybrid valor bean, or val papdi (Lablab purpureus) — a different species from cowpea — grown for earliness, heavy pod-set, and eye-catching pods. It's a vigorous pole-type climber that twines its way to substantial length in a single season, with many types carrying attractive purple-tinged flowers and stems, so it doubles as an ornamental.
Pods are long, round, and shiny dark green with slight constrictions, about 3 to 4.5 inches, borne in dense clusters of ten to twelve per flowering stalk — efficient to pick once flowering is underway. Tender young pods are the standard harvest for fresh-eating markets.
Grow guide
How to grow
Site & soil
Use well-drained soil with good water retention and avoid low, wet spots — this vine is prone to root rot in poor drainage. Work to a fine tilth, clear residue, mix in well-rotted compost or aged manure, and pre-irrigate if dry.
Sowing & spacing
Direct-seed ¾–1¼" deep, spacing plants ~24" (60 cm) apart in rows ~47" (medium soil) to ~59" (heavy soil) apart. Seed rate is about 1.2–1.6 kg/acre. A sturdy, tall trellis is essential — as a pole-type vine, yield depends on real vertical support like a fence line, arbor, or cattle-panel trellis.
Feeding
Like other legumes, valor bean (val papdi) fixes some of its own nitrogen and needs only modest fertility once established. Size rates to a soil test; over-fertilizing (especially nitrogen) pushes vine growth at the expense of pod set.
Watering
Prefers light, moist, well-drained soil — consistent moisture without waterlogging, roughly every 8–10 days. Watch more closely during humid, wet stretches given the root-rot risk in poorly drained ground.
Harvest
First picking at 58–60 days. Pick young, tender pods by hand; because pods cluster densely, a plant can be picked efficiently once flowering is underway. Regular picking keeps the vine flowering and productive.
When to sow · by zone
| Zones 9–11 | Sow Feb–Mar | |
| Zone 8 | Sow late Mar–Apr | |
| Zones 6–7 | Sow late Apr–May | |
| Zones 3–5 | Late May–Jun · start indoors |
| Zones 9–11 | S. California, S. & central Florida, S. Texas, Gulf Coast, Arizona low desert, Hawaii |
| Zone 8 | Coastal Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, central Texas, coastal Pacific NW, interior California |
| Zones 6–7 | Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mid-Atlantic (PA/MD/NJ), Ohio Valley |
| Zones 3–5 | Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, New England, upstate New York, high Mountain West |
Seed treatment & handling
This seed has been treated with Thiamethoxam (1.5 mg ai/g seed; EPA Reg. No. 100-941) and Carboxin + Thiram (0.17 mg ai/g seed each; EPA Reg. No. 400-112).
Harmful if swallowed, absorbed through skin, or inhaled. Do not use treated seed for food, feed, or oil purposes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep out of reach of children and domestic animals.
Untreated seed for organic and no-spray growers is coming soon.
Good to know before you buy
- This is an F1 hybrid — saved seed won't breed true, so buy fresh seed each season.
- It's a different species from cowpea (Lablab purpureus vs. Vigna unguiculata) and tends to run cleaner in US growing.
- Build a tall, sturdy trellis before planting — this pole-type vine needs real vertical support.
- Mature dried beans require thorough cooking; young, tender pods are the safe, standard harvest.
Sourcing
Sourced from Ankur Seeds, 27 New Cotton Market Layout, Nagpur 440018, India. Packaged & distributed by Harvest Goals LLC, Fremont, CA · +1 (650) 305-5334.
Origin India · 5 g · F1 Hybrid · Non-GMO · For planting purposes only, not for human consumption.