Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Moderate
- Grown as
- Annual
- Days to Maturity
- 74-78 (Spring/Summer)
- Growing Habit
- Bush
- Hardiness
- Very Tender
Lima beans shouldn't be planted outside until all frost danger is past and the soil is warm (a minimum of 60 degrees F and preferably closer to 70 to 75 degrees F.) Lima beans prefers hot, dry condiditions.
- Crops
- Spring Transplant, Summer
- Growing Season
- Short, Long
- Cultivar Type
- -
- Growing Conditions
- Warm, Hot
Beans like a warm, sunny spot. Lima beans like an evenly moist soil that is well drained. But this particular variety tolerates drier conditions.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 60°F - 90°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 60°F
Limas need a warmer soil than snap beans. Lima Beans shouldn’t be planted out until all frost danger is past and the soil is warm (a minimum of 60˚F and preferably closer to 70 to 75˚F.) If planted in soil that is too cold they may rot, so wait until at least 4 weeks after the last frost date. If you want to plant them earlier, you could warm the soil with plastic mulch or cloches.
- Start Indoors
- Yes
- Start Outdoors
- Yes
- Light
- Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot)
Full sun.
- Water
- Moderate
Lima beans need a steady supply of water and may not set pods if the soil is too dry.
- Feeder
- Moderate
Beans don't need a lot of nitrogen in the soil because they fix their own. In fact, if there is a lot in the soil they won't go to the trouble of fixing it. They do need plenty of potassium and phosphorus though.
They are sometimes planted after a crop that was heavily amended with aged manure, or after a winter cover crop. http://www.smartgardener.com/admin/categories/106-beans-lima/edit.
They dislike acid soil, so add lime if necessary. Avoid using green manures or nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
- Suitability
- High heat
- Small Gardens?
- Yes
- Containers?
- No
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- No
- Color
- Green
- Fruit Size
- 5.0 - 7.0"
- Plant Height
- 24.0 - 36.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 18.0 - 30.0"
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-11
- Disease Resistance
- Taste Profile
Smooth, creamy, buttery texture and flavor.
- Rotation Group
- Soil Builders and Cleaners: Legumes + Corn + Potatoes