Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are popular warm-season legumes grown for their edible seeds. Gardeners often seek to understand the initial development of these plants. The exact height a lima bean reaches after 14 days is not fixed, but rather a variable range dependent on its specific growth stage. This early phase is dedicated to establishing a strong foundation beneath the soil before visible vertical growth accelerates.
The First Week: From Seed to Sprout
The first seven days focus almost entirely on germination, which begins when the seed absorbs water. This process requires a minimum soil temperature of at least 65°F (18°C) to proceed efficiently. The first sign of life is the emergence of the radicle, the embryonic root, which grows downward to anchor the plant and absorb moisture and nutrients.
Following the radicle, the hypocotyl, or embryonic stem, begins to elongate. This stem forms a characteristic hook shape as it pushes through the soil surface, a process called epigeal germination. Seedling emergence, marked by breaking the soil surface, typically occurs between seven and 18 days after planting. By the end of the first week, the seedling is often still pushing its way completely out of the ground, meaning its above-ground height may be minimal or non-existent.
Typical Height After 14 Days
By the 14-day mark, a lima bean seedling is generally past the emergence stage, assuming optimal conditions. This period is characterized by the unfolding of the cotyledons (seed leaves that provide stored energy) and the development of the first true leaves. The vegetative growth stage is underway, but the seedling remains quite small.
A realistic height range for a healthy lima bean seedling after 14 days is typically between one and four inches (approximately 2.5 to 10 centimeters) above the soil line. This height varies significantly depending on the cultivar. Bush varieties, which have a compact growth habit, tend to be on the lower end, focusing energy on lateral growth. Pole varieties, which are vining plants, may exhibit slightly more vertical stretching, placing them toward the higher end. During this two-week window, the plant transitions from relying on stored seed energy to generating its own energy through photosynthesis.
Conditions That Accelerate or Slow Growth
The rate at which a lima bean seedling progresses is highly sensitive to environmental factors. Soil temperature is a primary determinant; a temperature consistently below 65°F will significantly delay germination and subsequent growth. Cold, wet soil can also lead to seed rot, preventing any growth entirely.
Lima beans require full sun, meaning a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, to fuel growth after emergence. Insufficient light will cause the seedlings to stretch, resulting in a thin, weak stem, a phenomenon called etiolation. Consistent, moderate moisture is also necessary for cell expansion and nutrient transport, but overwatering can cause root rot and stunt development.
Growth Trajectory After the Initial Spurt
The two-week measurement captures the seedling at the beginning of its vegetative phase, just before its growth rate accelerates. Once the initial root system is established and the first true leaves are actively photosynthesizing, the plant begins a sustained period of height gain. This sustained growth is part of the vegetative stage, which lasts until flowering begins.
For pole varieties, this acceleration is particularly noticeable as they begin to produce climbing tendrils and seek support, quickly exceeding the few-inch height they held at 14 days. Flowering and pod formation, which mark the reproductive stage, generally do not begin until 60 to 90 days after planting. The initial two weeks represent a foundational period of internal development that sets the stage for the vertical growth that follows.