‘Rio Verde’ initiates flowering in late August with 50% bloom occurring about Sept. 1; the earliest mature seed are produced by Oct 15. In comparison, Rongai lablab is very late flowering and generally does not flower in central or northeast Texas before frost.

‘Rio Verde’ seed range in color from black to mottled black and brown, in contrast to Rongai seed which are a uniform pale brown with a prominent white hilum. ‘Rio Verde’ seed are smaller (3200 – 3400 seed per lb) than Rongai (1600 – 2000 per lb). ‘Rio Verde’ flowers are light lavender, fading to white as the flower matures, and Rongai flowers are white.

Rio Verde’ is adapted to sandy, sandy loam, clay loam and clay upland soils of the US southern region, including the following regions of Texas: Pineywoods; Gulf Prairies and Marshes; Post Oak Savannah; Blackland Prairies; Cross Timbers and Prairies and South Texas Plains (according to Gould Ecoregions).  In the lower rainfall areas of the Cross Timbers and the South Texas Plains, irrigation may be required for establishment. Lablab does well on a wide variety of well-drained soils but does not tolerate water logging. In northeast Texas the primary growing season for Rio Verde lablab is June through October. This cultivar will establish, survive and be productive with 10 inches of rain during this five month growing season.

Rio Verde lablab is available at:
Turner Seeds (800.722.8616); Breckenridge, TX
(PVP #200800221)