Horsegram: The Drought-Busting Legume You’ve Never Heard Of
Ever heard of horsegram? If you haven’t, you’re not alone! This humble legume, scientifically known as Macrotyloma uniflorum, has been quietly feeding people across Africa and Asia for centuries, but it’s relatively unknown in North American gardens. While it might not win any beauty contests, horsegram packs a serious punch when it comes to surviving tough conditions and fixing nitrogen in your soil.
What Exactly Is Horsegram?
Horsegram goes by several names, including horse gram, kulthi bean, and hurali. You might also see it listed under its former scientific names like Dolichos biflorus or Dolichos uniflorus in older gardening references. This annual legume belongs to the bean family and has been cultivated for thousands of years, primarily as a food crop and livestock feed.
Where Does Horsegram Come From?
This tough little plant calls tropical Africa and Asia home, with particularly strong roots in the Indian subcontinent. It thrives in regions where many other crops struggle, making it a valuable food security crop in its native range.
Should You Grow Horsegram in Your Garden?
Here’s the thing about horsegram – it’s not going to wow your neighbors with stunning blooms or dramatic foliage. Its small, cream-colored flowers are pretty understated, and the overall plant appearance is fairly modest. But if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that can improve your soil while potentially providing food, horsegram might deserve a spot in your garden.
The Good, The Bad, and The Practical
Why you might want to grow it:
- Incredibly drought-tolerant once established
- Fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants
- Edible seeds that are highly nutritious
- Attracts small pollinators like bees
- Requires minimal care and water
- Can serve as living mulch or ground cover
Why you might want to skip it:
- Limited ornamental appeal
- Only suitable for USDA zones 9-11
- Not native to North America
- Seeds can be hard to find commercially
Growing Horsegram Successfully
If you’ve decided to give horsegram a try, you’re in luck – it’s one of the easier crops to grow, especially if you live in a warm climate.
Climate Requirements: Horsegram thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It loves heat and can handle drought conditions that would stress out most other garden plants.
Soil and Sun: Plant in well-draining soil and full sun. This isn’t a picky plant – it can handle poor soils and actually prefers not to be pampered with rich, fertile conditions.
Planting Tips:
- Direct sow seeds in spring after the last frost
- Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart
- Water lightly after planting, then reduce watering significantly
- No fertilizer needed – remember, this plant fixes its own nitrogen!
Care and Maintenance: The beauty of horsegram is that it practically grows itself. Water only during extended dry periods, and resist the urge to fuss over it. Harvest the pods when they’re dry and mature, typically 3-4 months after planting.
Consider Native Alternatives
While horsegram isn’t invasive, North American gardeners might want to consider native legumes that provide similar benefits. Depending on your region, look into native species like wild bergamot, partridge pea, or various native clovers that can offer nitrogen-fixing benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
The Bottom Line
Horsegram won’t win any garden beauty pageants, but it’s a fascinating example of a plant that’s perfectly adapted to challenging conditions. If you’re in a warm climate, interested in edible landscaping, or looking for a nitrogen-fixing ground cover that can handle neglect, horsegram might be worth trying. Just don’t expect it to be the star of your garden – think of it more as a reliable, hardworking supporting player that quietly does its job while asking for very little in return.
