VerdurasLegumbresPrincipiante

Frijol Polilla

Vigna aconitifolia

De un vistazo

Luz solarSol completo (6-8h+)

Necesidad de aguaBaja (tolerante a la sequía)

Tolerancia a heladasTierna (sin heladas)

Días hasta madurez75 días

Espaciado de plantas15cm (6″)

Zonas de rusticidadZone 8–12

DificultadPrincipiante

Rendimiento esperado50-100g

¡Es temporada de plantar Frijol Polilla! Empieza a planificar tu jardín ahora.

El frijol polilla (Vigna aconitifolia), también conocido como mat bean o dew bean, es una leguminosa anual originaria de la India y el sudeste asiático, extraordinariamente resistente a la sequía y al calor extremo. Es una de las leguminosas más tolerantes a condiciones áridas del mundo, capaz de producir cosechas en zonas con menos de 300 mm de precipitación anual.

Calendario de plantación y cosecha

🌱¡Plantar ahora!

Ene

Feb

Mar

Abr

May

Jun

Jul

Ago

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dic

SiembraCosechaMes actual75 días hasta la madurez

Etapas de crecimiento

De la semilla a la cosecha

Germinación de la semilla

Las semillas germinan rápidamente en suelo cálido, enviando una raíz pivotante y sacando los cotiledones por encima de la superficie en 3-5 días. Las semillas de moth bean son pequeñas y solo requieren una siembra superficial de 2-3 cm de profundidad. La germinación es mejor con temperaturas del suelo superiores a 25 °C y puede fallar en condiciones frías o encharcadas.

💡 Consejo de cuidado

Siembra directamente en suelo cálido y bien drenado después de que haya pasado todo riesgo de heladas. No remojes las semillas antes de sembrar: las moth beans germinan fácilmente sin tratamiento previo. Riega ligeramente al plantar y evita el exceso de agua, ya que las semillas se pudren con facilidad en suelo saturado.

Young moth bean seedling with trifoliate leaves emerging from dry sandy soil

Moth bean seedlings establish quickly in warm soil, producing their first trifoliate leaves within a week

Calendario de cuidado mensual

Qué hacer cada mes para tu Frijol Polilla

Mayo

Mes actual

Primary planting month for zones 7-9. Direct-sow after all frost danger is well past and soil is warm. Moth beans resent transplanting so always direct-sow. Water once at planting, then hold off unless conditions are extremely dry — the plants are tougher than you think.

¿Sabías que?

Datos fascinantes sobre Frijol Polilla

Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) is one of the most drought-tolerant legume crops on Earth, capable of completing its entire life cycle on as little as 200mm of annual rainfall — less than most cacti need to thrive.

El frijol polilla es un cultivo de temporada cálida que prospera en condiciones que muchas otras leguminosas no toleran. Siembra directamente en el exterior 2-3 semanas después de la última helada, cuando la temperatura del suelo supere los 20°C. Coloca las semillas a 2-3 cm de profundidad con 15-20 cm de separación en hileras espaciadas 40-50 cm.

Las plantas tienen un hábito de crecimiento rastrero o semi-erecto, extendiéndose hasta 60-90 cm. Prefieren pleno sol intenso y son notablemente tolerantes a la sequía una vez establecidas, gracias a su sistema radicular profundo y hojas finamente divididas que reducen la transpiración. Riega moderadamente durante el establecimiento y luego solo si hay sequía prolongada.

Como leguminosa, fija nitrógeno atmosférico y raramente necesita fertilización. Es un cultivo de muy bajo mantenimiento que tolera suelos pobres, arenosos y salinos donde pocas plantas pueden crecer. Las pequeñas flores amarillas producen vainas delgadas de 3-5 cm que contienen 4-8 semillas diminutas. La planta completa su ciclo en 60-90 días, siendo una de las leguminosas más precoces.

Moth bean plants sprawling across a garden bed with dense trailing vines

Moth bean's prostrate trailing habit makes it an excellent living ground cover that suppresses weeds

Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) originated in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Indian subcontinent, with its center of diversity located in the Thar Desert region spanning present-day Rajasthan (India) and Sindh (Pakistan). Archaeological evidence from Chalcolithic sites in western India dates the cultivation of moth bean to approximately 1500-2000 BCE, making it one of the oldest pulse crops domesticated in South Asia. Wild forms of the plant still grow in dry scrublands and rocky outcrops across northwestern India, confirming the region as its primary center of origin.

For millennia, moth bean has been a lifeline crop for communities living in some of the harshest agricultural environments on Earth. In the Thar Desert, where temperatures routinely exceed 45°C (113°F) and annual rainfall can be as low as 150-200mm, moth bean is often the only pulse crop that reliably produces a harvest. Traditional Rajasthani agriculture developed sophisticated dryland farming systems around moth bean, planting it as a kharif (monsoon season) crop that germinates with the first rains and matures before the dry season returns. The crop became deeply woven into the culinary identity of Rajasthan and Gujarat, appearing in staple dishes like moth dal, moth ki sabzi, and the beloved street food matki usal.

Moth bean spread gradually from its Indian homeland to other arid regions of Asia and Africa through trade and migration. It is now grown on a smaller scale in Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, parts of China, and in dry zones of East and West Africa. Despite its remarkable nutritional profile and extraordinary drought tolerance, moth bean remains relatively unknown outside South Asia. Modern agricultural researchers have begun to recognize its potential as a climate-resilient crop for a warming world, and breeding programs in India and at international research centers are developing improved varieties with higher yields and disease resistance while preserving its legendary heat and drought tolerance.

Siembra directamente en el terreno definitivo cuando la temperatura del suelo supere los 20°C. No requiere remojo previo. Coloca las semillas a 2-3 cm de profundidad con 15-20 cm de separación. La germinación ocurre rápidamente en 4-7 días con calor adecuado. Inocula con Rhizobium específico para Vigna si es la primera vez que cultivas leguminosas de este grupo en el terreno.

El frijol polilla prospera en suelos ligeros, arenosos y bien drenados con pH entre 6,0 y 7,5. Tolera suelos pobres, calcáreos e incluso ligeramente salinos donde otras leguminosas fallan. Como fijador de nitrógeno, no necesita fertilización nitrogenada; una aplicación ligera de fósforo antes de la siembra mejora la nodulación y el rendimiento.

Ideal (zonas 8-12)Invernadero / protección necesariaNo recomendado

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25°C – 40°C

77°F – 104°F

0°C15°C30°C45°C

Moth bean is supremely adapted to extreme heat and thrives in temperatures that would devastate most garden crops. The optimal range for growth and pod production is 25-35°C (77-95°F), but plants continue growing vigorously even at 40-45°C (104-113°F). Growth slows significantly below 20°C (68°F) and stops below 15°C (59°F). Moth bean is killed by frost and cannot tolerate any period of freezing temperatures. Seeds fail to germinate in soil below 20°C (68°F).

Problemas comunes que afectan a Frijol Polilla y cómo prevenirlos y tratarlos de forma orgánica.

Esta es una de las leguminosas con menos problemas de cultivo gracias a su rusticidad natural. El principal riesgo es el exceso de humedad y encharcamiento, que causa pudrición radicular. Evita el riego excesivo y asegura buen drenaje. En climas húmedos, puede ser susceptible a enfermedades fúngicas foliares; elige ubicaciones bien ventiladas.

Frijol Polilla

Crece bien con

Maíz

Mantener alejado de

Cebolla

Ajo

Se asocia bien con mijo perla (bajra) y sorgo en sistemas de cultivo intercalado tradicionales de zonas áridas de la India. Como leguminosa fijadora de nitrógeno, enriquece el suelo para los cultivos siguientes. Puede usarse como cultivo de cobertura en rotación con cereales para mejorar la fertilidad del suelo.

1Choose your worst garden soil and moth beans will reward you. Heavy clay amended with compost, rich raised beds, and well-fertilized plots are actually detrimental — moth beans evolved in nutrient-poor desert sand and produce the most pods in lean, fast-draining soil.
2Never start moth beans indoors for transplanting. Their deep taproot resents any disturbance, and transplant shock often kills or severely stunts seedlings. Always direct-sow into warm garden soil after the last frost date.
3Resist the urge to water regularly. Moth beans are among the most drought-tolerant food crops on the planet and overwatering is the single most common cause of failure. Water only at planting and during severe drought — the plants actually produce better with modest water stress.
4Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium cowpea-type inoculant before planting, especially if you have never grown cowpeas, moth beans, or other Vigna species in that soil. The nitrogen-fixing bacteria dramatically improve plant vigor and eliminate any need for nitrogen fertilizer.
5Use moth beans as a living mulch between taller crops like corn, sorghum, or sunflowers. The trailing vines shade the soil surface, suppress weeds, and fix nitrogen that benefits neighboring plants — a classic intercropping strategy used for centuries in Indian agriculture.
6Harvest timing is critical for seed quality. Pick pods when they are completely dry and papery on the vine — pods that are harvested too early produce shriveled seeds with poor storage life. Conversely, leaving pods too long after drying risks shattering and seed loss.
7Save your own seed effortlessly. Unlike many vegetables, moth beans are almost entirely self-pollinating and will come true from saved seed year after year. Simply set aside your best-looking dried seeds in an airtight jar for next season.
8Try sprouting your home-grown moth beans for the freshest possible matki sprouts. Soak dried beans for 8-12 hours, then drain and rinse twice daily in a jar covered with cheesecloth. Sprouts are ready in 2-3 days when tails are 1-2 cm long.

Para consumo en verde, cosecha las vainas cuando están turgentes y las semillas aún tiernas, entre 50 y 60 días. Para grano seco, deja las vainas en la planta hasta que se tornen completamente marrones y crujientes, entre 70 y 90 días. Cosecha por la mañana cuando las vainas están menos quebradizas para evitar pérdidas por desgrane.

Dried moth bean pods being hand-harvested from a field planting

Moth beans are typically harvested when pods have dried on the vine and seeds rattle inside

Los frijoles secos se almacenan en recipientes herméticos en lugar fresco y seco, donde se conservan en excelentes condiciones durante 2-3 años. Para germinados, remoja las semillas durante 8-12 horas y enjuaga dos veces al día durante 2-3 días. Los germinados se conservan refrigerados durante 3-5 días.

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Información nutricional

Por porción de 100g

343

Calorías

Vitamina C2mg (2% DV)

Vitamina A26 IU (1% DV)

Potasio1191mg (34% DV)

Fibra5.3g (21% DV)

Beneficios para la salud

Exceptionally high in plant-based protein at 23-25g per 100g of dried beans, making moth bean one of the most protein-dense pulses available for vegetarian and vegan diets
Outstanding source of potassium at 1191mg per 100g (34% DV), supporting healthy blood pressure regulation, muscle function, and electrolyte balance
Rich in iron at approximately 6.5mg per 100g (36% DV), crucial for oxygen transport and energy production — pair with vitamin C sources to maximize absorption
Excellent source of dietary fiber (both soluble and insoluble) that supports digestive health, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar after meals
Good source of B vitamins including thiamine (B1) and folate (B9), essential for energy metabolism and cell division
Contains phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc — minerals critical for bone health, immune function, and hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body

💰 ¿Por qué cultivar tus propios?

Dried moth beans (matki) sell for $4-8 per pound at Indian grocery stores and specialty markets, with organic sprouting-grade moth beans fetching $8-12 per pound online. A small garden planting of 20-30 plants using seeds that cost under $3 total can produce 1-2 kg of dried beans worth $10-25 at retail prices. The real savings come from sprouting: commercially sold moth bean sprouts cost $3-6 per small container, while home-sprouted beans from your harvest cost virtually nothing and are fresher. As a bonus, moth bean improves your soil with fixed nitrogen, reducing fertilizer costs for subsequent crops.

Dried moth bean seeds showing their small kidney shape and mottled yellow-brown color

Dried moth bean seeds are tiny, kidney-shaped, and range from greenish-yellow to mottled brown

Recetas rápidas

Recetas sencillas con Frijol Polilla frescos

Rajasthani Moth Dal (Moth Ki Dal)

45 min

A hearty, earthy dal from the desert state of Rajasthan where moth beans are a dietary staple. Whole moth beans are simmered until tender, then finished with a smoky tadka of cumin, garlic, and dried red chilies that fills the kitchen with intoxicating aromas.

Moth Bean Sprout Salad (Matki Usal)

25 min

A refreshing, protein-packed sprouted moth bean salad popular across Maharashtra and Gujarat. Sprouted beans are lightly steamed and tossed with crunchy onion, fresh coconut, and a bright lime-chili dressing for a light meal or energizing snack.

Moth Bean and Vegetable Curry

50 min

A nourishing one-pot curry combining moth beans with seasonal vegetables in a fragrant tomato-coconut gravy. The beans hold their shape beautifully and absorb the spiced sauce, creating a satisfying weeknight meal served over steamed rice.

Fresh moth bean sprouts in a bowl ready for use in salads and stir-fries

Moth bean sprouts are popular across South and Southeast Asia for their crisp texture and nutty flavor

Calculadora de Rendimiento y Espaciado

Vea cuántas plantas de Frijol Polilla caben en su cama de jardín basándose en el espaciado recomendado de 15cm.

Frijol Polilla plantas en una cama de 4×4 ft

8 columnas × 8 filas a 15cm de espaciado

Variedades populares

Algunas de las variedades de frijol polilla más populares para jardineros caseros, cada una con características únicas.

RMO-40

Variedad mejorada de alto rendimiento desarrollada en Rajastán, India. Semillas pequeñas de color marrón claro con excelente tolerancia a la sequía y resistencia a enfermedades. 65-75 días.

RMO-225

Variedad semi-erecta de maduración precoz con buen potencial de rendimiento en condiciones áridas. Ideal para cultivos de secano con lluvias escasas. 60-70 días.

Jadia

Variedad tradicional de Rajastán con semillas marrones pequeñas y sabor pronunciado. Muy utilizada en la cocina rajasthani tradicional para dal y currys. 70-80 días.

CZM-2

Variedad mejorada con hábito de crecimiento semi-erecto y mayor uniformidad de maduración. Adaptada a cultivo mecanizado y con buen contenido proteico. 65-75 días.

En la cocina india, especialmente en Rajastán, el frijol polilla es un ingrediente fundamental. Se prepara como dal (sopa cremosa de legumbres), en currys secos llamados sabzi, y germinado para ensaladas nutritivas. Los granos secos se muelen en harina para elaborar papad (crackers crujientes). Su sabor terroso y ligeramente amargo combina bien con especias como comino, cúrcuma y asafétida.

¿Cuándo debo plantar Frijol Polilla?

Planta Frijol Polilla en Mayo, Junio, Julio. Toma aproximadamente 75 días para madurar, con cosecha típicamente en Septiembre, Octubre.

¿Cuáles son buenas plantas acompañantes para Frijol Polilla?

Frijol Polilla crece bien junto a Maíz. El cultivo acompañante puede mejorar el crecimiento, sabor y control natural de plagas.

¿En qué zonas de rusticidad puede crecer Frijol Polilla?

Frijol Polilla prospera en zonas de rusticidad USDA 8 a 12. Con protección de invernadero, puede cultivarse en zonas 6 a 13.

¿Cuánto sol necesita Frijol Polilla?

Frijol Polilla requiere Sol completo (6-8h+). Esto significa al menos 6-8 horas de luz solar directa diaria.

¿A qué distancia debo espaciar Frijol Polilla?

Espacia las plantas de Frijol Polilla a 15cm (6 pulgadas) para crecimiento óptimo y circulación de aire.

¿Qué plagas y enfermedades afectan a Frijol Polilla?

Los problemas comunes incluyen Pulgones, Mosaico amarillo del frijol polilla, Podredumbre radicular por Rhizoctonia. La prevención a través de buenas prácticas de jardinería como rotación de cultivos, espaciado adecuado y cultivo acompañante es el mejor enfoque. Consulta la sección de plagas y enfermedades para más detalles.

¿Cómo almaceno Frijol Polilla después de la cosecha?

¿Cuáles son las mejores variedades de Frijol Polilla para cultivar?

Las variedades populares incluyen RMO-40, RMO-225, Jadia, CZM-2. Cada una tiene características únicas adaptadas a diferentes condiciones de cultivo y preferencias culinarias. Consulta la sección de variedades para descripciones detalladas.

¿Qué suelo necesita Frijol Polilla?

Where can I find moth bean seeds for planting?

The easiest source is an Indian grocery store — look for whole moth beans sold as 'matki' or 'moth dal' (make sure they are whole, not split). These are the same species and will germinate well if they have not been heat-treated or irradiated. For named garden varieties, check specialty seed companies that carry South Asian or arid-climate legumes. You can also order sprouting-grade moth beans online, which have high germination rates since they are sold specifically to be grown.

Can I grow moth beans in a humid climate?

Moth beans can be grown in humid climates but are more prone to fungal diseases, particularly powdery mildew and leaf spot. Choose a planting site with excellent air circulation and full sun. Space plants wider than usual (20 cm apart) to improve airflow. Avoid overhead watering entirely and plant in raised beds or mounds with very well-drained soil. Harvest promptly when pods dry to prevent mold. While yields may be lower than in arid conditions, moth beans can still produce a satisfying harvest in moderately humid areas.

How do I sprout moth beans at home?

Rinse 1 cup of dried moth beans and soak in 3 cups of room-temperature water for 8-12 hours (overnight). Drain thoroughly and transfer to a wide-mouth jar covered with cheesecloth secured by a rubber band. Invert the jar at an angle in a bowl so excess water drains away. Rinse and drain 2-3 times daily. Sprouts are ready in 2-3 days when tails are 1-2 cm long. Refrigerate finished sprouts and use within 3-4 days. Sprouting transforms the nutritional profile — increasing vitamin C, B vitamins, and protein digestibility.

Do moth beans need a trellis or support?

No. Moth beans are prostrate, trailing plants that naturally sprawl along the ground rather than climbing. They do not produce tendrils or twining stems and will not climb a trellis. This ground-hugging growth habit is actually an advantage — the dense mat of vines shades the soil, suppresses weeds, and conserves soil moisture. Simply give each plant 30-45 cm of spreading room and let the vines trail naturally.

Are moth beans the same as mung beans?

No, they are different species within the same genus. Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) produces smaller, flatter seeds with a distinctive kidney shape and is far more drought and heat tolerant than mung bean (Vigna radiata). Moth beans have a nuttier, earthier flavor compared to mung bean's milder taste. In Indian cooking, they serve different culinary roles — moth beans are favored in Rajasthani cuisine while mung beans are more common in North and South Indian dishes. However, moth bean sprouts can substitute for mung bean sprouts in most recipes.

Can I eat moth bean leaves and pods fresh, or only the dried seeds?

All parts of the moth bean plant are edible. Young leaves and tender shoot tips can be cooked as a nutritious green vegetable similar to spinach. Immature green pods can be harvested and cooked like green beans — they are tender and flavorful when picked young. However, moth bean is most commonly grown for its dried seeds, which store indefinitely and provide concentrated protein and calories. Sprouted seeds are also widely eaten raw in salads and cooked in stir-fries across South Asia.