The climbing perennial plant dolichos is a member of the legume family. Popularly, this plant is also called Egyptian beans, curly lilacs, and also kokornik.
Features of dolichos
Under natural conditions, dolichos can be found in East Africa. In regions with mild and warm winters, this flower is grown as a perennial, but in areas with more severe climates, it is grown as an annual plant. Flowering is observed in mid-July. The long racemose buds are composed of very small white or purple flowers. The flowers have a pleasant aroma, and it is a bit like the smell of lilacs. Quite often, this plant is cultivated as an ornamental crop, while it is perfect for decorating fences, gazebos and decorative arches.
This curly liana has large leafy plates of a rich green color, against which inflorescences of a pink or pale purple hue, as well as purple pods, look very impressive. The height of such a vine is about 600 centimeters, which allows it to be combined with other climbing plants. Therefore, it is often used for vertical gardening, creating spectacular compositions. The fruits of such a plant have medicinal properties, and they are also eaten. A large number of delicious dishes are prepared from the dolichos beans.
Planting and caring for dolichos in the open field
In the middle latitudes, dolichos are usually grown through seedlings. The seeds of such a plant, collected by hand, remain viable for 5 years. You can sow seeds directly into open ground, they do it in May. However, in this case, the bush will grow for a very long time, and the first flowers will not be visible until the end of August. Because of this, experienced gardeners recommend growing dolichos through seedlings.
Growing seedlings
Sowing seeds is carried out at the end of February. Seed material needs pre-sowing preparation. To do this, it is placed on a moistened gauze and removed to a warm place. But before soaking the seeds, the shell of each bean must be carefully pierced with a sharp needle, while do not touch the white speck on the rib, because it is in this place that the embryonic zone is located (a sprout appears from it).
Start by filling small cups with a substrate of sand, leaf turf, and peat. One seed is sown in each container, and it must be embedded in the soil mixture to a depth of about 40 mm. Crops are carefully moistened from a spray bottle, and they are covered with a film on top and transferred to a warm place with diffused light. In order for the seedlings to appear as quickly as possible, do not forget to regularly ventilate and moisten the crops from a spray bottle, and also make sure that they are warm (about 23 degrees).
Planting seedlings in the ground
When the seedlings grow up and get stronger, they are transplanted into the garden. Landing is carried out in May after the establishment of warm weather, when the threat of spring frosts is over. In order for the seedlings to take root as quickly and better as possible, they are carefully transferred from the cups into the prepared hole, while trying to keep the clod of earth intact. The distance between the landing holes can vary from 0.2 to 0.4 meters. Immediately place a support near planting, which should be at least 200 cm in height. For planting, choose a sunny area, because this plant is light and heat-loving. The place chosen for planting dolichos must be reliably protected from strong winds and drafts, because they can greatly harm it and even cause the death of the bushes.
The soil on the site should be loose, nutritious and neutral. Before planting seedlings, do not forget to dig up the area. If the soil is depleted, then about 30 days before planting the seedlings, rotted compost is introduced into it.
Watering
This plant needs systematic watering. Make sure that the soil surface is constantly moist, but do not allow the liquid to stagnate in the roots, otherwise rot may appear on the root system. Systematically, once every three days, pour a small amount of water under each plant. In the hot dry season, the frequency of watering is increased to 1 time in 2 days. Do not forget to loosen the surface of the soil mixture after each watering, as well as remove weeds.
Suitable soil
For a plant, it is recommended to choose areas with a loose nutrient soil of a neutral reaction. It must pass water and air well, and also contain a minimum amount of nitrogen. Before planting seedlings, the soil on the site is subjected to digging, while rotted organic fertilizer, as well as peat or sand, are introduced into it. If the soil on the site is acidic, then during digging, a little lime or charcoal is also added to it.
Transfer
Dolichos is transplanted only once, when it is planted from a seedling container into open ground. A transplant is carried out by transshipment, for this, the plant is carefully pulled out along with a lump of earth from the cup and carefully placed into the hole. Seedlings planted in the soil must be watered, and it is recommended to cover the soil surface near them with a layer of mulch so that the moisture evaporates more slowly. You can use dry peat for this.
Additional fertilizing
Dolichos needs to be fed regularly once a month with a complex mineral fertilizer. If the liana lacks nutrients, then it will remain spectacular and attractive until frost.
Flowering
Bushes grown through seedlings begin to bloom in June. Long fragrant racemose inflorescences of yellow, lilac, white or pink hue appear on them. The life span of one inflorescence is about 3 weeks, which is why, with good care, the bushes can bloom for a very long time (until the very frost). When the inflorescence fades, fruits of a dark purple color are formed on it, represented by pods, they also have a high decorative effect, like the flowers themselves. Fruits grow in bunches with 2–4 beans inside each. Each seed has a speck of white on the rib. They are edible and are widely used in a wide variety of dishes.
Trimming
Dolichos does not need to be cut. The only thing, before the lateral branches grow, it is necessary to regularly pinch the tops of the stems. And do not forget to install a support next to the planting, along which the bush can freely curl up.
Wintering
In the middle latitudes, dolichos is cultivated as an annual plant, so it does not need to be prepared for wintering. After the wilting of the bushes begins, they are simply removed from the site and destroyed.
Methods of reproduction
As mentioned above, dolichos in middle latitudes is grown from seeds, and it can be propagated both by seedling and non-seedling methods. If you decide to sow seeds directly into the open ground, then you should take into account that the bushes will grow for a very long time and will begin to bloom only in the last summer weeks. That is why gardeners prefer to grow such a flower through seedlings, and how to do this is described in great detail above in the “Growing seedlings” section.
Disease and pests
A plant such as dolichos is highly resistant to disease. However, it may suffer due to improper care, for example, the leaves of the bush may turn yellow or it may not bloom. In order for the vines to become green again and bloom luxuriantly, they must be fed. Also, in the future, they should be provided with regular feeding. Remember that this flower reacts extremely negatively to nutritional deficiencies.
Pests also try to bypass this vine. However, aphids or caterpillars can still harm her. If you see them on the bushes, then as soon as possible spray the foliage with a solution of the insecticidal preparation Actellik, while do not forget to follow the instructions that you can find on the package.
Types and varieties of dolichos with photos
Dolichos Lablab
The homeland of this species is Western Europe. On the territory of Russia, it is cultivated as an annual. The height of such a climbing plant is about 500 cm. Strongly branching stems are decorated with green and purple leaves. During flowering, brushes are formed on the bush, which include 40 small flowers each. The length of racemose inflorescences can reach half a meter, outwardly they look like garlands. The color of the flowers can be pink, white or cream. They don’t smell like anything. Flowering begins in the middle of the summer period, and ends with the first frosts.
Dolichos Ordinary
The length of such a vine can be up to 450 cm. The leaves can be colored green or purple. The homeland of this species is considered to be Western Europe, where it is cultivated as an ornamental perennial. Flowering occurs in mid-summer. At this time, long large inflorescences are formed on the bushes, consisting of many pink, white or cream flowers. When the flowering ends, pods of a dark purple hue are formed in place of the flowers, inside which are seeds (edible beans).
Dolichos Ruby Moon
The flexible stems of this vine reach about 400 cm in length. The heart-shaped leaves in the upper part are pointed, they are painted in a deep green color with a purple tint. Long brushes consist of large lilac flowers. Flowers of this type can be used for cutting, they stand in the water for a long time and smell very nice at the same time. The species blooms in mid-June. At the end of flowering, dark purple pods are formed on the bush, which do not fall until the second half of autumn and are an excellent decoration for dolichos.
Dolichos Purple
This herbaceous ornamental vine is cultivated as an annual. The length of the shoots is about 300 cm, they are decorated with large heart-shaped leaf plates with a pointed top. The leaves are painted green with a violet-red tint. Long fragrant brushes consist of flowers of pink, purple, white or crimson color. Flowering is observed in the middle of the summer period, and after its end, pods with edible beans appear on the bush.
Dolichos Hyacinth
The length of the stems of such a herbaceous decorative liana is about 400 cm. Large heart-shaped leaves have a pointed tip, they are colored green with a purple tint. The long fragrant brushes include lilac flowers. This liana blooms in the middle of the summer period. In place of the faded inflorescences, pods of a dark purple color appear, inside which there are edible seeds.
Dolichos Pink Moon
This species is considered the most decorative of all known dolichos species. The length of its stems is about 400 cm. Heart-shaped large leaf plates are pointed at the top, and they are painted in a deep green hue. Purple long tassels have a pleasant scent. When flowering is over, dark purple pods are formed with beans inside.
Dolichos Purple Garland
In length, the stems of such a vigorous liana can reach about 600 cm.The dark green large leaves have a heart-shaped shape. During flowering, purple brushes are formed, which outwardly resemble spectacular garlands. At the end of flowering, the bush retains its decorative effect due to the formed dark purple pods, in which the seeds ripen.
Dolichos Lilac Cascade
Unlike other species, this plant has branched stems that are more compact. One vine can grow up to 30 shoots. The large heart-shaped foliage is colored dark green and has a pointed top. This species does not bloom very abundantly (when compared with other species), however, its long brushes, painted in purple, look very impressive. When flowering ends, the bush is decorated with dark purple shiny pods formed in place of flowers, inside which are seeds (beans).
Dolichos in cooking: recipes
As mentioned above, the fruits, or rather, the dolichos beans, can be eaten. They are similar in appearance and taste to beans. However, dolichos is much more tender than beans and tastes more pleasant. Dolichos seeds contain a large amount of starch and vegetable protein. That is why such beans are very satisfying and help to restore strength in a short time. A wide variety of dishes are prepared from young pods as well as mature beans.
The beans from this plant go well with rice, stews, seafood and poultry. They can also be added to soup or salad. Below are some recipes that will help you learn how to cook delicious dishes with dolichos.
Soup with dolichos and coke cream
Spicy and hearty soup is made from spices, dolichos and coconut cream. This dish is perfect for both a family dinner and a small celebration. To prepare it, you need to prepare:
- two chicken backs;
- one medium onion;
- 0.45 kg of dolichos beans;
- 0.2 l of coconut cream;
- six tablespoons of lime juice;
- four lavrushkas;
- half a teaspoon of dried garlic, cumin and turmeric;
- four chili peppers;
- one tablespoon of dried tomatoes and the same amount of dried ginger.
In order to prepare the soup, first you need to take a saucepan and pour 3 liters of clean water into it, and then put peeled and chopped onions, chicken backs, and lavrushka into it. Broth must be prepared from these products. Take out the lavrushka, chicken, and onion from the finished broth. Carefully remove all bones from the meat. Strain the broth until it is clear. Pour warm water over the dolichos beans in advance so that they can stand for four hours. Cream is added to the finished broth and everything is mixed well. After that, seasonings, finely chopped chili peppers, spices, prepared beans and chicken are poured into it. Put the saucepan on the fire and let the soup simmer, then reduce the heat and cook until cooked through. When the soup is half done, salt is added to it. Put the finished dish on plates, and on top, garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs. It is also recommended to add a small amount of lime juice to each plate.
Unusual pasta with dolichos
Pasta served with herbs, dolichos and cheese is a very unusual and tasty dish, distinguished by its filling. To prepare it, you only need about 1 hour.
First of all, prepare all the necessary products:
- one and a half glasses of dolichos, pre-boiled until cooked;
- 0.23 kg of small spiral pasta;
- half a teaspoon of lemon zest;
- 0.15 kg of parmesan cheese, grated;
- a quarter glass of olive oil;
- a full glass of chopped parsley;
- one bunch of fresh green onions;
- pepper and salt are added to taste.
To prepare this mouth-watering dish, first boil the pasta in salted water until cooked through. When a few minutes remain until cooked, pour dolichos into the pan. Place the contents of the pot in a colander and wait for all the liquid to drain. Place the cooked beans and pasta in a deep bowl, and add chopped onion and parsley, pepper, lemon zest, cheese, and olive oil. Mix everything well and the dish will be ready. It will remain to lay out on plates and serve.
Chicken with carrots and dolichos
Chicken fried with vegetables and incredibly delicious ginger-soy sauce has a very unusual spicy taste and looks delicious. Despite the name, there is nothing difficult in the preparation of this dish. The first thing you need to do is prepare all the necessary foods:
- 0.45 kg of chopped chicken fillet;
- a full glass of dolichos beans, which need to be boiled until half cooked;
- a couple of tablespoons of soy sauce and cornstarch;
- a quarter glass of orange juice;
- one and a half glasses of ready-made chicken broth;
- half a teaspoon of dried red pepper;
- one tablespoon of sesame seeds to roast and the same amount of grated ginger;
- three glasses of pre-boiled quinoa;
- a couple of tablespoons of water;
- 0.45 kg of grated carrots;
- one bell pepper, diced;
- three tablespoons of olive oil;
- three finely chopped garlic cloves.
To prepare this delicious dish, first take a deep and fairly spacious frying pan and put it on the fire. Then one tablespoon of olive oil is poured into it. When the oil is well heated, add the prepared carrots to the skillet. It is stewed, stirring regularly, for five minutes. After that, sweet peppers must be added to the carrots. Continue simmering the vegetables for another three minutes. Place the contents of the skillet in a cup. Pour one tablespoon of oil into the empty frying pan that has been freed up. After the oil is hot, pour the prepared chicken into the pan. It should be fried for five minutes, remembering to stir regularly. Pour the finished chicken into a bowl with vegetables, put the dolichos there and mix everything thoroughly. Pour one tablespoon of oil back into an empty skillet. When it gets hot pour ginger, garlic and red pepper into it. The contents of the pan are fried for literally one minute. Then broth, soy sauce and orange juice are poured into it. Let the mixture boil. Pour starch into a glass and add cold water to it, mix everything well. Pour the starch into a skillet with constant stirring and boil the mixture for two minutes. Place the dolichos with meat and vegetables in a frying pan and simmer for ten minutes. The finished dish is served along with the prepared quinoa grits, and sesame seeds are sprinkled on top of it. Pour the starch into a skillet with constant stirring and boil the mixture for two minutes. Place the dolichos with meat and vegetables in a frying pan and simmer for ten minutes. The finished dish is served along with the prepared quinoa grits, and sesame seeds are sprinkled on top of it. Pour the starch into a skillet with constant stirring and boil the mixture for two minutes. Place the dolichos with meat and vegetables in a frying pan and simmer for ten minutes. The finished dish is served along with the prepared quinoa grits, and sesame seeds are sprinkled on top of it.
Appetizing appetizer with dolichos and avocado
A spicy appetizer with dolichos, avocado, onion and spices turns out to be very tasty and appetizing. As a rule, it is served with croutons or chips. The first thing to do is to prepare the food:
- 0.2 kg of chips;
- one avocado without peel, cut into small cubes;
- a quarter cup of chopped onions;
- a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto sauce;
- 0.32 kg of dolichos beans, pre-boiled;
- six toasts;
- one shredded tomato;
- three tablespoons of lime juice;
- pepper and salt are added to taste.
To start, combine the onion, avocado, dolichos, lime juice, pesto sauce, pepper and salt in a blender to make a smooth paste. Transfer the resulting mixture to a container and refrigerate. Then place the finished pasta on a plate and garnish with chopped herbs and tomatoes. The dish is served with chips and croutons.
Dolichos with beef
Beef and dolichos can make an extremely unusual and tasty dish. First of all, prepare the food:
- three tablespoons of vegetable oil and teriyaki sauce;
- 0.25 kg veal tenderloin, which is cut into strips;
- one glass of dolichos beans, which are boiled until cooked;
- a teaspoon of minced garlic;
- one chili pepper and one bell pepper.
Put beef in a frying pan preheated with oil, which is fried for five minutes. Place it in a cup. Pour the beans into an empty skillet and add a little water, fry them for a couple of minutes. After that, pepper is added to it and the products are fried for another three minutes. Also add the sauce and chopped garlic, and after a couple of minutes, remove the pan from the heat. Beef is combined with vegetables, everything is mixed. The dish is ready!
