Growing Conditions of Mung Beans

Most commercially produced mung beans are grown in Oklahoma.

More than 100 different types of mung beans are grown in India---from which they originated---as well as in China and Manchuria. They are also commonly grown in the United States for bean sprouts. Mung beans are easy to cultivate at home.

Growing Conditions

Mung beans grow best in sunny, well-drained, loamy soils. They prefer warm temperatures and a pH between 5.5 and 7.0, according to Craig R. Andersen at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. They require average moisture and light to medium fertility.

Growing Mung Beans

Andersen recommends planting mung beans 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Space the beans so that there is 24 to 30 inches between the rows. Keep the area free of weeds. According to the Jefferson Institute, insects are rarely a serious problem. Mung beans fix their own nitrogen, so they do not need a nitrogen fertilizer.

Harvesting

According to Andersen, mung beans are ready to harvest approximately 100 days from the time they were planted. Harvest by pulling up the entire plant. Dry the beans by tying the plants together in bunches and hanging overhead or by spreading out on clean papers. Shell the beans when the pods are completely dry.

References

• University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture: Mung Beans
• Jefferson Institute: Mung Beans