Growing Lima Beans in Containers: Best Pot Sizes, Supports, and Soil Mixes

ByStephen Albert

Sharing is caring!

Lima beans can be grown successfully in containers, but after years of testing bush and pole types on my patio and in raised-bed-adjacent pots, I’ve learned that container success depends on three things: using a large enough pot, giving the plants strong support, and choosing a warm, fast-draining soil mix. When all three come together, bush limas especially can produce a steady, reliable harvest.

Here’s my experience-based guide to growing lima beans in containers.

Choose the Right Pot Size

Limas develop a strong taproot and a wide lateral root system. Undersized containers limit growth, reduce flowering, and lead to inconsistent pod set.

Best Pot Sizes for Bush Limas

Bush limas are the most reliable choice for container growing.

  • Minimum size: 10–12 inch pot (3–5 gallons)
  • Ideal size: 12–16 inch pot (7+ gallons)
  • Plants per pot: 1 plant per container for best results

I’ve squeezed two bush plants into a 16-inch pot before, but the yield drops. One plant per pot gives much better airflow and harvest size.

Pot Sizes for Pole Limas

Pole limas can be grown in containers, but they’re less productive.

  • Minimum size: 15–20 inch pot, 10+ gallons
  • Plants per pot: 1–2 plants max
  • Requirement: A strong trellis firmly attached to the container or the ground

Pole types need room to stretch and deep soil to anchor their roots. They’re best suited to in-ground growing, but with a big enough pot and support, they can perform.

The Best Soil Mix for Lima Beans in Pots

Lima beans thrive in warm, loose, well-drained soil. Container mixes must drain well to prevent rot, especially early in the season.

My Go-To Container Mix

  • 50% high-quality potting mix
  • 25% compost
  • 25% perlite or pumice

This blend warms quickly, holds moisture without becoming waterlogged, and provides the modest fertility limas need.

Avoid Garden Soil in Containers

Garden soil compacts too easily in pots and prevents proper root development. Container limas need a fluffy growing medium—and warm soil is essential for germination.

Provide Support—Even for Bush Types

Bush Limas

Bush varieties are compact but still benefit from:

  • Small cages
  • Short stakes
  • A circular support ring

These keep plants upright, improve airflow, and make picking easier. Without support, bush limas tend to sprawl and become tangled.

Pole Limas

Pole types need:

  • A tall trellis (6–8 feet or taller)
  • A tripod or teepee
  • Sturdy netting attached to a stable frame

I anchor supports to the ground, not the container, to avoid tipping—especially in wind.

Planting Container Limas: My Method

  1. Wait for warm soil and warm nights—container soil warms fast, but the seeds still need temperatures above 70°F.
  2. Sow seeds 1 to 1½ inches deep, 4 inches from the container edge.
  3. Thin to one strong plant once seedlings are 3–4 inches tall.
  4. Mulch lightly with straw or compost to keep soil evenly warm.
  5. Water consistently—container soil dries out quickly in summer heat.

Fertilizing Container Limas

Lima beans don’t need much fertilizer. I use:

  • A light dose of balanced organic fertilizer only at planting
  • Occasional applications of liquid kelp if leaves pale midseason

Too much nitrogen means too many leaves and not enough pods. Compost provides most of what they need.

Important Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

  • Warm, fast-draining soil
  • Fewer soilborne pests
  • Easy to move pots into full sun

Limitations

  • Containers dry out quickly
  • Large pots are required for strong yields
  • Pole varieties rarely reach full potential

For the best harvest, bush limas are the clear winners in containers.

My Final Advice

Choose bush varieties, plant in large pots with a loose soil mix, support the plants early, and keep the soil warm and consistently moist. With these steps, lima beans grow beautifully in containers and can produce a surprisingly abundant harvest.

Lima Beans Learning Hub

Start here: How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Lima Beans: A Complete Guide

Introduction to Lima Beans

Planting Lima Beans

Caring for Lima Beans

Harvesting, Storage, and Kitchen

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

Similar Posts