What's this?

[Jayb]

Can anyone identify this please? At the moment its about 1' high and I've no idea what this is, I was given the seed but no indication of what it may be other than its edible!

[Jayb]

[thifasmom]

broad bean?

[ceres]

Broad bean.

[Jayb]

Sorry should have added seed is small about the size of a small cow pea but flatter. Leaves and flowers are much smaller than B bean about a 1/3 of the size. Flower is pure cream colour.

[Jayb]

Any ideas anyone?

[Pescador]

Difficult to see from the photo, but the flower shape looks very much like a legume and the leaf is very B. Bean-like.
Could it be an older variety?

You'll have to grow it on and let us all know the result!

[littlebabybird]

Hi Jayb
was it one of mine?
do you remember what the seed colour was?
lbb  :)

[Jayb]

I agree the photo looks like a b bean, but I don't think it is. I'll see if I can get a better shot of it. I'll definitely grow them out (Poor things had got a bit pot bound but I'm hoping they will be fine now they have been potted on/out)

Hi Lbb, no seeds were from elsewhere, on hols last year a very kindly chap gave me a few different seeds to try but unfortunately no info. Seeds were a light brown colour no other markings.

[Unwashed]

on hols last year a very kindly chap gave me a few different seeds to try but unfortunately no info.

Nice chap called Jack?  Said they grew too big for his garden?

[saddad]

There is a very old Broad Bean variety called Martock which are about the size you describe...   :-\

[Jayb]

I'll keep you posted Unwashed, but hopfully not as the are in my poly!  ;D

I checked out Martock, would have been excited if it was but photo's and descriptions are different  :(    Only three leaves from each stem not the same as b beanies.

Perhaps a weed or something toxic!!!!

Here are a few more photies if it helps, Second two are held up against broad beans
[attachment=1][attachment=2][attachment=3]

[saddad]

 :-\

[Unwashed]

Just looks like some kind of field bean, they grow loads around where I live.

[Jayb]

If its of interest or if anyone knows different, I think I've tracked this down to Fenugreek!

Thanks to a recent book purchase 'Asian Vegetables' which had a photo of it growing. Also its developed a wonderful curry smell which has filled the poly (totally confused at first because I thought I was hallucinating if you can hallucinate smells!)

I've left it go to seed as I only had a few plants, so hopefully enough seed for next year and a few spare. It does smell gorgeous, just like a curry plant

[saddad]

Can be grown as a green manure...  :)

[Jayb]

That's good to know, it will only take me a few more seasons to produce enough seed! but its all fun  ;D I'll definitely grow it again for the aroma though and I'd best look up a few recipes too!

[thifasmom]

ah fenugreek, the seed can be used to freshen breath, or to help lactating mums produce more milk and it also helps to settle an upset tummy, there are many more culinary and herbal uses. lucky you getting some to grow. can it only be grown under cover?

[Jayb]

Apparently it can be grown May to August in fertile well drained soil in a sunny spot. I should think it could be grown in a pot. Leaves are at their best before flowering/seed setting.  :)

[thifasmom]

Apparently it can be grown May to August in fertile well drained soil in a sunny spot. I should think it could be grown in a pot. Leaves are at their best before flowering/seed setting.  :)

tah :)

[pigeonseed]

That's good to know, it will only take me a few more seasons to produce enough seed! but its all fun  ;D I'll definitely grow it again for the aroma though and I'd best look up a few recipes too!

I thought it looked familiar, but couldn't put my finger on it! I've seen it for sale fresh in Tooting Asian shops, and I have some dried fenugreek, which I use often - it's very useful.

It adds a meaty, 'filling' sort of aroma and flavour to any cooking. You can add a pinch to bread if you make bread. Nice with potatoes.

I have a recipe for potatoes and fenugreek, a south Indian recipe. Would you like it? I can look it up it's on a scrap of paper somewhere...  :)