This is an example of the timeline you would see based on your growing conditions.
Bean, Lima: Bush Lima Beans
Bush Lima Beans are smaller than the pole types and produce smaller seeds, so their yield is considerably less. The small types are sometimes known as butter beans.
Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Moderate
- Grown as
- Annual
- Days to Maturity
- 70-75 (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˚ F and preferably closer to 70 to 75˚ F.) Lima beans prefer a warm soil.
- Crops
- Spring Transplant, Summer
- Growing Season
- Long
- Cultivar Type
- -
- Growing Conditions
- Warm, Hot
Beans like a warm, sunny spot. Lima beans like an evenly moist soil that is well drained. Mulch to prevent weeds and minimize watering.
- 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
Tricia shows you how to build a variety of quick and easy vegetable trellises. Garden vertically this year, trellis tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, beans, and peas.
