Lima beans are a popular and versatile vegetable, often enjoyed for their creamy texture and distinct flavor. While some may wonder if they grow on trees, lima beans actually develop on annual plants, either as bushes or climbing vines, completing their life cycle within a single growing season.
Understanding Lima Bean Plants
Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are herbaceous annuals, growing from seed, producing beans, and dying back within one year. This distinguishes them from woody trees that live for many years. Lima bean plants typically have trifoliate leaves, consisting of three oval leaflets, and produce small white or yellow flowers that mature into curved, flattened pods.
There are two primary growth habits: bush varieties and pole varieties. Bush types are compact, reaching 18 to 24 inches, and are self-supporting. Pole varieties are vining plants that climb 6 to 12 feet, requiring a trellis or other sturdy support. Both types produce edible beans, with pole beans often yielding larger beans and producing over a longer season than bush varieties.
Cultivating Lima Beans
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Lima beans require full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours daily, for optimal yields. Partial shade can reduce harvest. The soil should be well-draining, loose, and rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 (slightly acidic to neutral). Amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting improves drainage and provides essential nutrients.
Planting
As a warm-season crop sensitive to frost, plant lima beans in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Soil temperature needs to be consistently at least 65°F (18°C) for germination. Seeds are typically sown directly into the garden, 1 to 1.5 inches deep. For bush varieties, space seeds 2 to 4 inches apart in rows 2 to 3 feet apart, thinning seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart. Pole varieties require more space; plant seeds 6 to 10 inches apart in rows 30 to 36 inches apart, ensuring supports are in place at planting.
Ongoing Care
Consistent moisture is important for lima bean plants throughout their growing season, especially during flowering and pod development. Lima beans need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. As legumes, lima beans fix atmospheric nitrogen, so they generally do not require heavy nitrogen fertilization. A side dressing of compost or a balanced fertilizer can be beneficial mid-season if soil tests indicate a deficiency in phosphorus or potassium.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Lima bean plants can encounter common pests like aphids, bean beetles, and spider mites. Hand-picking larger pests or spraying water to dislodge aphids can help manage infestations. Fungal diseases like rust and blight can also affect lima beans, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation through proper plant spacing and avoid overhead watering to prevent these issues. Rotating crops each year also reduces soil-borne diseases.
Harvesting and Storing Lima Beans
Lima beans are typically ready for harvest 60 to 90 days after planting, depending on the variety. For fresh consumption, pods should be full, plump, and firm, but still green, before beans become too hard or mealy. Gently pull pods from the plant to encourage continued production. To harvest dried beans, allow pods to remain on the vine until they turn brown and become brittle, with beans rattling inside.
Freshly harvested lima beans in their pods can be refrigerated for about two days. Shelled beans can be kept in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days at 32-40°F (0-4°C).
For long-term preservation, blanching is recommended before freezing. Submerge beans in boiling water for 2-4 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Once cooled and dried, freeze them in airtight containers or bags for up to nine months. Dried lima beans, after air-drying, can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark place for up to a year or longer.
Popular Lima Bean Varieties
Among bush varieties, ‘Henderson Bush’ is a well-known small-seeded type that matures relatively quickly, often in 65 days. ‘Fordhook 242’ is a popular large-seeded bush variety, ready for harvest in about 75 days. These bush types are suitable for smaller gardens or container planting due to their compact growth.
For pole varieties, ‘King of the Garden’ is a vigorous climber known for its large, cream-colored beans and high yields over a long season. Its vines reach 8 to 12 feet and produce pods 4 to 6 inches long, each containing 4 to 6 plump beans. This variety is a reliable choice for gardeners seeking a substantial harvest and is often used for fresh eating, canning, or freezing.