How to Plant and Space Lima Beans: Row, Hill, and Trellis Planting Methods

ByStephen Albert

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After decades of growing both bush and pole lima beans, I’ve learned that good spacing and the right planting method make a big difference in germination, airflow, and overall yield. Whether you grow compact bush types or long-season pole varieties, here are the planting techniques that have worked best for me in raised beds, mounded rows, and trellised garden spaces.

Planting Basics: Soil, Depth, and Temperature

Before choosing a method, make sure your fundamentals are right:

  • Soil temperature: At least 70°F—warmer is better.
  • Seed depth: 1 to 1½ inches deep.
  • Soil texture: Loose, well-drained, and enriched with compost.
  • Water: Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.

With these conditions in place, you can choose the planting method that suits your space.

Row Planting for Bush Limas

Row planting is my go-to for bush varieties like Fordhook 242, Henderson, and Thorogreen. Bush limas stay compact but need enough room for branching and pod development.

How I Plant Bush Limas in Rows

  1. Prepare a loose, warm bed or mound the rows slightly.
  2. Sow seeds 3–4 inches apart within the row.
  3. Space rows 18–24 inches apart for airflow and easy harvesting.
  4. Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart once they reach 3–4 inches tall.

Why this works: Bush limas benefit from close-enough spacing to shade soil and reduce weeds, but too tight and they lose airflow—leading to fewer pods.

Hill Planting for Extra Warmth and Drainage

I often use the hill method in heavier soil or during cooler springs because it boosts warmth and keeps the planting zone well-drained.

How to Plant in Hills

  1. Form low hills or mounds 8–12 inches wide and several inches high.
  2. Plant 4–6 seeds per hill, evenly spaced around the top.
  3. Thin to 3 strong plants per hill once seedlings establish.
  4. Space hills 24–30 inches apart.

Benefits:

  • Warmer soil earlier in the season.
  • Excellent drainage—especially important for lima beans.
  • Ideal for small garden beds.

Trellis Planting for Pole Limas

Pole limas like Christmas, King of the Garden, and Willow Leaf need strong support and extra room to climb. Once they start climbing, they quickly dominate the trellis.

How I Plant Pole Limas on a Trellis

  1. Set up the trellis before planting—lima vines grab quickly.
  2. Sow seeds 6–8 inches apart along the base of the trellis.
  3. Space trellises or teepees 3–4 feet apart if planting multiple rows.
  4. Guide the first vines onto the trellis; after that they climb on their own.

Trellis types that work well:

  • A-frame trellises
  • Sturdy vertical netting
  • Wooden lattice panels
  • Teepees made from 6–8 ft poles

Why this works: Pole limas need airflow, sunlight exposure, and a structure to distribute their heavy foliage and pods. Proper spacing translates into bigger harvests and fewer disease issues.

Raised Bed & Container Adjustments

Raised Beds

Shorten row spacing slightly—bush rows can be 16–18 inches apart since beds warm faster and drain well.

Large Containers

  • Bush limas: one plant per 10–12 inch pot
  • Pole limas: at least a 15–20 inch pot with a built-in trellis

I find pole limas far more productive in ground beds than containers, but bush types can do very well in pots.

My Spacing Rules of Thumb

  • Bush types: 4–6 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart
  • Hill method: 3 plants per hill, hills 24–30 inches apart
  • Pole types: 6–8 inches apart along a tall, sturdy trellis

When lima beans have enough warmth, drainage, and room to breathe and climb, they reward you with full, steady pod production.

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.

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