Beans (Lima) Growing Guide

Phaseolus lunatus

Crop Rotation Group

Legumes (Pea and Bean family) ●

Soil

Average, well drained soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Warm-season annuals, cannot tolerate frost.

Feeding

Mix an organic fertilizer into the soil before planting, using rates given on the label. Supplemental fertilizer seldom required.

Spacing

Single Plants: 9" (25cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 5" (15cm) with 1' 1" (35cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant seeds 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart two weeks or more after the last frost has passed. Grow pole varieties in warm climates, but stick with faster-maturing bush varieties where summers are short.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Lima beans need plenty of hot weather. They are most productive in warm climates.

Harvesting

For fresh eating, gather pods when they feel well-filled with seeds, and are slightly leathery. Limas for dry storage can be left on the plants until they change from green to tan.