The Fordhook lima bean, a popular and reliable garden variety, is classified as a bush bean, meaning it possesses a self-supporting, compact growth habit. This classification provides a direct answer to the query: the Fordhook variety generally does not require a trellis or staking to grow successfully. The plant’s structure is designed for independent upright growth, eliminating the need for the vertical support systems common to other bean types. This ease of cultivation is one reason the Fordhook lima bean remains a favorite among home gardeners.
Defining the Fordhook Growth Habit
The Fordhook lima bean is a classic example of a bush-type legume, specifically a variety of Phaseolus lunatus. These plants are characterized by their compact size, typically growing to a maximum height of only 16 to 24 inches. This relatively short stature allows the plant to support the weight of its own foliage and developing pods without needing external structures.
The variety is also classified as determinate, which dictates its specific production cycle. Determinate beans produce the majority of their flowers and set their crop all at once or over a short, concentrated period, usually about two weeks. This growth pattern means the plant dedicates its energy to a single, heavy yield before slowing down, unlike indeterminate types which vine and produce continuously.
The Fordhook’s physical form is a sturdy, upright, self-supporting bush with a spread of 12 to 18 inches. This dense structure makes it efficient for row planting and containers, as it requires less overall space than vining varieties. Because the plant is genetically programmed to stop growing vertically after reaching its mature height, a trellis provides no functional benefit for this specific lima bean.
Optimizing Planting and Care for Bush Limas
Successful cultivation of a bush lima bean like Fordhook begins with proper soil temperature, as lima beans are particularly sensitive to cold. Seeds should only be sown directly into the garden once the soil temperature is consistently 65°F or warmer, with optimal germination occurring around 70°F. Planting too early in cool, damp soil often leads to seed rot and poor germination rates.
Adequate spacing is also important for bush varieties to ensure good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Seeds should be planted about one inch deep and spaced approximately three to six inches apart within the row. Rows should be separated by 24 to 36 inches to allow for maintenance and prevent the mature bushes from overcrowding.
Lima beans require full sun exposure, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal pod development and yield. They need a steady supply of moisture, especially when they begin to flower and set pods, though overwatering must be avoided to prevent cracking the seeds. As a legume, the Fordhook naturally fixes its own nitrogen, so fertilizers high in nitrogen are generally unnecessary and can even stunt pod production.
Understanding Bush and Pole Bean Differences
Pole beans, conversely, are indeterminate, meaning they continue to grow, flower, and produce beans throughout the entire season until the first frost. Their vining habit causes them to grow vertically, often reaching heights of six to fifteen feet, and they must have a trellis, stake, or other support structure to climb. This difference in growth habit directly impacts garden layout, harvest timing, and the necessity of support.