How to Grow Ice Cream Bean
Inga edulis
Your complete guide to growing Ice Cream Bean.
📷 Wikipedia: Inga edulisWhen to Plant Ice Cream Bean
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 2 | — | June – August | October – September |
| Zone 3 | — | June – July | October |
| Zone 4 | — | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 5 | — | May – June | September – October |
| Zone 6 | — | May – June | September – October |
| Zone 7 | — | April – June | August – October |
| Zone 8 | — | April – May | August – September |
| Zone 9 | — | March – April | July – August |
| Zone 10 | — | February – April | June – August |
| Zone 11 | — | January – March | May – July |
Companion Plants for Ice Cream Bean
✓ Good companions
Provides wind protection and creates beneficial microclimate, similar water and nutrient needs
Benefits from nitrogen fixation and partial shade canopy provided by ice cream bean
Benefits from nitrogen enrichment in soil from ice cream bean's root nodules
Thrives in the filtered shade provided by ice cream bean, nitrogen fixation benefits coffee
Thrives in partial shade and humid conditions created under ice cream bean canopy
Natural pest deterrent that thrives in similar tropical conditions
Ground cover that prevents soil erosion while benefiting from nitrogen fixation
Enjoys filtered sunlight and enriched soil from nitrogen-fixing companion
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone which is toxic to legumes and inhibits nitrogen fixation
Allelopathic compounds suppress growth of nearby plants including legumes
Acidifies soil significantly, competing root system, allelopathic needle drop
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
