Basics

Ease of Growing
Moderate
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
90-100 (Spring/Summer)
Growing Habit
Pole
Hardiness
Very Tender

Beans like a warm, sunny spot. These tall plants are vulnerable to being blown over, so should be sheltered from high winds and supported on a stable and secure structure.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Summer
Growing Season
Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Warm, Hot

Beans like a warm, sunny spot. These tall plants are vulnerable to being blown over, so should be sheltered from high winds and supported on a stable and secure structure. 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
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
60.0 - 96.0"
Plant Diameter
4.0 - 6.0"
Hardiness Zone
3-11
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Tender and nutty.

Rotation Group
Soil Builders and Cleaners: Legumes + Corn + Potatoes