Lima beans, also known as butter or chad beans, are delicious fresh, canned, or frozen. They can be incorporated into many dishes, making them a pantry staple in many households. Additionally, they pack a nutritional punch.
They contain compounds like protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, which we need to stay healthy. You can buy them, but nothing is as delicious and robust as ones fresh from your garden. If you are interested in growing lima beans, here is everything you need to know.
Where & When To Plant Lima Beans
Before planting your lima bean seeds, you should decide when and where to grow them because it can affect your success. Here are a few factors you should consider:
Light
Lima beans are full-sun plants, meaning they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The more sunlight they receive, the better they will grow and produce a higher yield.
If you live in regions without full sun, you can plant them in partial shade, as they can tolerate it, but this will reduce yields. If you are growing lima beans indoors, place your plant in a spot with full sun. If not, provide them with artificial light for at least 8 hours daily.
Soil
Lima beans are not adaptable to soil conditions. They only thrive in sandy loam or loamy soil. This soil type offers excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture for optimal growth.
Avoid heavy clay soils as they can lead to waterlogging and harm the roots. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Add sulfur if the soil is too alkaline or lime if it is too acidic.
The space you have to grow lima beans determines your success in growing and harvesting these legumes. Lima beans need ample space to grow well. For bush lima beans, plant seeds 2-4 inches apart within the row and keep rows 2-3 feet apart.
For pole lima beans, plant 4-6 seeds per trellis or teepee and space rows 3-4 feet apart to accommodate the trellis. The trellis should also be sturdy enough to handle the plants' growth.
Planting Time
Lima beans require warm soil temperatures to germinate and grow properly. The soil temperature should be consistently at least 65°F before planting. This means you can plant them 2 to 3 weeks after the last expected frost date in your area.
In cooler climates, this is around late May to early June. In warmer climates, you can plant them as long as there's no risk of frost. Lima beans need at least 70 to 90 days of warm weather to mature before the first fall frost.
How To Grow Lima Beans: Step-By-Step Instructions
To grow lima beans from seeds, here is everything you should do:
Step 1. Choose the Right Location
Lima beans require 6-8 hours of sunlight and well-drained soil, so plant them where these conditions are met. Avoid areas with heavy clay or very sandy soil. Also, do not plant lima beans in the same location as previous bean crops.
You need to rotate crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases. An ideal planting site can provide optimal growing conditions for your lima beans, leading to a healthier and more productive harvest.
After you have decided on the plant site, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 6-8 inches using a garden fork or tiller. Then, mix a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
You should also pay attention to the pH level; it should be in the suitable range of 6.0 to 6.8. If unsure, conduct a soil test and adjust the pH accordingly.
Step 3. Check Soil Temperature
Apart from the soil structure, the temperature should also be suitable for planting. Use a soil thermometer to measure the temperature at a depth of about 2 inches into the soil in the morning, when temperatures are cooler, to get an accurate reading.
The soil should be at least 65°F (18°C) for successful germination. If the soil is too cool, cover the planting area with black plastic for a few days before planting to prevent seed rot and poor germination. If the soil is too warm, use shade cloth or row covers to protect the soil from direct sunlight.
Step 4. Planting Seeds
Both bush and pole lima beans require proper seed spacing and support structures,
Bush Beans
Use a garden hoe or stick to create shallow furrows in the soil. Space the rows 24 to 36 inches apart to provide enough room for the plants to grow. Place the bush lima bean seeds 1 inch apart within the rows.
Plant the seeds about 1-1.5 inches deep and cover the seeds lightly with soil. Gently press down to ensure good soil contact.
Before sowing, set up your support structures to prevent disturbing the seedlings later. It could be a trellis, poles, or teepee. For a trellis, place two sturdy poles at either end of the row and connect them with horizontal supports and string.
For a teepee, arrange and tie 6-8 poles into a cone shape with the base spread out. Once the structure is ready, sow the seeds 4-6 inches apart along the row about 1-1.5 inches deep and cover it with soil.
Step 5. Watering
After planting the lima bean seeds, maintain consistent moisture for successful germination and growth. Water the seeds thoroughly to ensure good soil contact and promote sprouting. During the germination period, which can take 7-14 days, keep the soil consistently moist by watering lightly every few days.
Once seedlings emerge, water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid drying out the soil completely, as lima beans are sensitive to drought. However, avoid overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Step 6. Thinning (if necessary)
Once seedlings are around 3 inches tall, you might need to thin them to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to disease and stunted growth. For bush varieties, space the plants about 3-4 inches apart.
For pole varieties, which need more room to climb, space them 6-8 inches apart. To thin, gently pull out the weaker or crowded seedlings without disturbing the roots of the remaining plants. This process leads to a better harvest.
How to Care for Lima Beans
Your job is not complete after you have sown the seeds. You should care for it by maintaining certain conditions. Below are all the conditions for optimal growth:
Growth Habit
The growth habit of lima beans depends on whether they are bush or pole varieties.
Bush Varieties
These grow as compact, self-supporting plants, reaching 12 to 24 inches. They spread out horizontally and do not require additional support. Bush lima beans are well-suited for smaller garden spaces or containers and tend to mature more quickly, usually within 70 to 80 days.
These are climbing plants that require vertical support, like trellises or poles. They can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet and produce a higher yield than bush varieties due to their extended growing space. Pole lima beans generally have a longer growing season, taking around 80 to 90 days to mature. They are ideal for larger garden spaces that can accommodate vertical growth.
Watering
Lima beans thrive with consistent moisture and water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Deep watering about once a week is generally sufficient, especially during flowering and pod development. You can check the soil moisture by inserting your finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it is time to water.
Avoid overhead watering as it can lead to fungal diseases. Water at the base of the plants instead. Applying a layer of mulch around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing
Romaine lettuce is a light feeder, meaning it doesn't require heavy fertilization. However, that does not mean you should not fertilize at all. Light fertilizing is beneficial. You should fertilize before planting to provide essential nutrients and during growth if your soil is not in optimal condition.
You can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in the last few weeks before harvest. If using a liquid fertilizer, dilute it to half the strength of the recommended amount and apply according to instructions.
Mulching
When mulching lima beans, use organic materials such as straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants, taking care not to cover the stems directly. This helps keep the soil consistently moist and cool.
Mulch also prevents weeds from competing with the lima beans for nutrients and light. Replenish the mulch as needed throughout the growing season to maintain its effectiveness.
Lima beans can be infested with pests and diseases if you neglect them. Pests like aphids, bean beetles, and spider mites feed on the plants and harm them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil and attract natural predators like ladybugs to manage their population.
They can also be affected by fungal diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial blight. Isolate and dispose of infected leaves to prevent spread and use a copper-based fungicide.
Pruning
Pruning lima beans can help maintain plant health and boost yields. Regularly inspect the plants and remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems. For pole varieties, selectively trim some interior growth without disrupting the plant's climbing ability.
Preserve the main stems and leaders, and remove any excess side shoots that may hinder vertical growth. For bush varieties, pinch back the growing tips if the plant becomes too tall or leggy, which promotes a fuller, more compact plant structure.
End-of-Season Care
When the growing season ends, prepare your planting site and lima bean plants for next season growing. Here is everything you have to do:
Remove old plants
Clear the garden bed of any remaining plant material, including stems, leaves, and pods. They can be diseased and harbor pathogens or pests. These diseased materials may cause problems in the next growing season.
Pull out weeds that have grown during the season. Weeds can harbor pests and diseases and compete with crops for nutrients and water. Removing them makes it easier to prepare the bed for the next planting.
Composting
If the removed material is free of diseases, pathogens, and pests, add it to the compost pile. These materials will provide valuable nutrients back to the soil in the next growing season.
Ensure the compost pile has a high temperature to kill potential pathogens. However, if there are signs of disease, such as spots, mold, or rot, discard it in the trash. Diseased materials can introduce pathogens into the compost and future crops.
Soil Preparation
Once the soil is free of dirt and debris, prepare it for future planting by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure. Spread a 1-2 inch layer over the bed and mix it into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
Avoid working the soil when it is too wet to prevent compaction. Instead, wait for the soil to dry out slightly to maintain good soil structure.
Check for Pests
Be sure to examine the garden area for pests and diseases. Look over the soil and leftover plant debris for indications of pests such as aphids or slugs and signs of diseases like mold or mildew.
Remove and properly dispose of any infected or infested plant material to prevent the spread of pathogens. Additionally, testing the soil for nutrient levels and pH can help ensure it stays in good condition.
Pruning
Once the plants are no longer growing, prune the remaining leaves and stems using clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid injuring the plant or spreading disease. This practice makes harvesting easier.
Trim away any dead or weak growth that has not contributed to the crop.
Rotate crops
Avoid planting lima beans the next season in the same spot. Plant crops from different families, such as root vegetables (carrots, beets). This practice reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests.
While lima beans are typically grown directly in the garden, they can be successfully grown in containers. Here is a detailed guide:
Potting Lima Beans
Select a pot at least 8-12 inches in diameter for bush varieties and a larger one for pole varieties. Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Use a well-draining potting mix that includes compost or a mix designed for vegetables. This will provide the necessary nutrients and proper drainage.
Fill the pot with potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
Sow seeds 2-3 seeds per container 1-1.5 inches deep. For pole varieties, provide a sturdy trellis or support structure.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Place the pot in a sunny location where it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Repotting Lima Beans
Lima beans usually do not require repotting. However, if you notice roots circling the bottom of the container, you can repot to a larger container. Here is how to do it:
You should repot lima beans when roots start coming out of the drainage holes or when the plant becomes top-heavy. This happens in early to mid-summer.
Select a new pot that is 2-4 inches larger in diameter than the current one for continued root growth and development.
Fill the new pot with fresh potting mix, and water it lightly.
Once the plant is mature enough for transplanting, gently remove the lima bean plant from its current pot. Be careful not to damage the roots.
Place the plant in the center of the new pot and fill around it with potting mix, firming the soil gently as you go.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Place the repotted plant back in its sunny location. Continue watering regularly to help the plant settle in its new pot, but avoid overwatering.
Before harvesting lima beans, you should know when and how to harvest them.
When to Harvest
Lima beans are ready for harvesting about 70-90 days after planting. Additionally, you can look for signs of maturity.
Pod Firmness: Fresh pods should feel firm and be well-filled with plump beans. They should be filled but still green and not starting to dry out.
Bean Size: The beans inside the pods should be mature and well-developed. Gently squeeze the pods to check if the beans inside are full and round.
Pod Color: Fresh lima beans should have vibrant green pods. For dry beans, the pods will turn brown or tan and become dry and brittle.
Bean Rattle: For dry beans, when the pods are fully mature, the beans inside will rattle when shaken. The rattling indicates that the beans are fully dry and hardened.
Pod Texture: Fresh pods should be tender and pliable, while dry pods will be crisp and brittle. If the pods snap easily, they are likely ready for dry bean harvesting.
How to Harvest
Fresh Beans
If you are handpicking them, snap the pods off the plant. Hold the plant securely and pull the pods from the stem.
For pole varieties, cut the pods from the plant using pruners. You can also use pruners for bush variety. It will be more efficient if the plants are tall or have a lot of pods.
Use the beans as soon as possible for the best flavor. If you cannot use all, freeze them to extend their shelf life.
If you need to store them, keep the fresh beans in a breathable container or plastic bag in the refrigerator. They last for about a week.
To encourage continued pod production, harvest beans regularly.
Dry Beans
Use garden shears or pruners to cut the plants at the base, leaving the pods attached.
Gently peel the pods open by hand, or use a bean sheller to speed up the process.
If the pods are not fully dry, spread them out in a single layer on a clean surface or a well-ventilated area until they are completely dry.
After shelling, sort through the beans to remove any remaining debris.
Lightly rinse the beans and let them dry thoroughly before storage.
Store the dry beans in airtight containers such as glass jars, plastic bags, or sealed buckets, and keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
