Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) come in two distinct growth forms: bush and pole varieties. This difference in growth habit directly influences how the plant is cultivated, its space requirements, and its harvesting schedule. Understanding these structural differences is key to successful lima bean gardening.
Understanding Bush and Pole Lima Beans
Bush lima beans exhibit a compact, self-supporting growth habit. These plants typically reach a height of only 1 to 2 feet and do not require external support. They are pseudo-determinate, meaning the plant flowers and sets most of its fruit almost simultaneously, concentrating the harvest into a short window. Bush varieties, such as ‘Henderson Bush’ or ‘Fordhook,’ are preferred for mechanical harvesting due to this concentrated yield.
Pole lima beans are vining plants with an indeterminate growth habit. They produce long, vigorous vines that can climb 8 to 12 feet or more, requiring vertical support. The indeterminate growth pattern means these plants continue to flower and produce beans over an extended period, often until the first frost. This sustained production yields a larger overall harvest from a single plant compared to a bush variety.
Cultivation Requirements for Each Type
Bush lima bean cultivation focuses on maximizing ground-level space efficiency for a single, large harvest. Seeds are typically planted 4 to 6 inches apart within the row, with rows spaced 18 to 30 inches apart to allow for air circulation. These compact varieties mature faster, often taking only 65 to 75 days from planting to harvest. The harvest is labor-efficient because the pods ripen nearly all at once, allowing for a single or double pass to gather the crop.
Pole lima beans demand the installation of a vertical support system before planting. Structures like trellises, netting, or teepees must be in place to accommodate vines that can reach up to 12 feet high. Seeds are often planted in groups of three to six around the base of a pole or six inches apart along a trellis line. Pole varieties require a longer growing season, typically 85 to 110 days to reach maturity, and their continuous fruiting requires regular, sustained harvesting to maintain production.
Deciding Which Variety to Plant
The choice between bush and pole lima beans depends on the gardener’s available space and harvest goals. For those with limited horizontal area, pole beans are advantageous because they maximize yield per square foot by growing vertically. This vertical growth also promotes better air circulation, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases that thrive in the dense foliage of bush varieties.
Bush varieties are the preferred option for those who prioritize a quick, concentrated harvest or have ample ground space. Their earlier maturity and simultaneous pod set are ideal for processing or preserving a large quantity of beans at one time. While bush beans require more ground area than a vertical pole setup, they demand less effort in initial setup, as no trellising is needed.