PLANT TYPE: Annual
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Phaseolus limensis
LIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL TYPE: Medium-rich, well-drained, deep sandy loam
pH RANGE: 6.5 - 7.5
MOISTURE/WATERING: Average
MATURITY IN DAYS: 70 - 75
KNOWN PESTS: Root maggots and cutworms
KNOWN DISEASES: Foliar disease, both fungal and bacteria
OVERVIEW:
Lima beans should be planted even later in the spring than bush beans because they are not as hardy. Lima beans should not be planted until well after the last frost. Lima beans also should not be planted as thickly as bush beans.
Lima beans (or any beans) should not be picked when wet or dew is on the plants. Lima beans are best preserved by freezing, although dried lima beans can be used in some recipes.
PROPAGATION / SOWING:
Direct seed lima beans after all danger of frost when the soil reaches 18-24°C (65-75°F). Sow 1” deep, 4-6” apart in rows 30-32” apart.
CARE & GROWING:
Lima beans need a sunny, warm spot with very well drained soil as lima beans prefer a dry soil and a long, warm growing season. For fertility and soil pH requirements, see regular bush beans as lima beans have similar needs.
HARVESTING:
Begin picking lima beans once the pods are well filled and beans are still tender. Pick regularly for continual yield.
