Lima Bean Quick Growing Tips: Fast Reference Guide for Planting Through Harvest

ByStephen Albert

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After growing lima beans for decades—both bush and pole types—I’ve learned that they reward heat, steady moisture, and good timing. This quick reference guide distills what I’ve found most important from planting through harvest, so you can get reliable yields and the buttery, full-flavored beans lima lovers expect.

Planting Tips

Start with Warm Soil

Lima beans demand warmth. In my garden, I wait until soil temps reach 70°F or warmer before sowing. Planting too early leads to poor germination and weak stands.

Choose the Right Type for Your Season

  • Bush limas like Fordhook 242 and Henderson mature sooner—great for short seasons or early harvests.
  • Pole limas such as Christmas or Willow Leaf need a long, warm season but give the best flavor and biggest yields.

Sow Deep Enough

Plant seeds 1 to 1½ inches deep in loose, well-drained soil. Lima seedlings push up strongly when the soil is warm.

Growing Tips

Heat Helps, Cool Nights Hurt

Limas thrive in sustained heat but dislike cool nights—especially the large-seeded types. When nighttime temperatures dip, flowers may drop. Stay patient; consistent warm weather will bring strong pod set.

Water Steadily

I give my beans regular irrigation during flowering and pod fill. Uneven watering slows pod development and reduces yield.

Support Pole Varieties Early

Pole limas climb vigorously. I install trellises or sturdy supports at planting so the vines can latch on as soon as they start to run.

Feed Lightly

Limas fix their own nitrogen. I mix in compost at planting and avoid heavy fertilizer—too much nitrogen forces leafy growth instead of pods.

Care Tips

Keep Soil Evenly Moist

Mulch helps reduce evaporation and keeps soil temperature stable—both important for consistent pod set.

Watch for Aphids and Spider Mites

These pests show up during hot spells. A firm spray of water or insecticidal soap usually keeps them in check.

Thin Early for Stronger Plants

For bush limas, thinning to 4–6 inches apart gives each plant room to branch and fill with pods.

Harvest Tips

Pick When Pods Feel Full

For fresh-shelling limas, pods should feel plump and firm. I check daily once the beans start to size up.

Let Beans Dry Fully for Dry Limas

Leave pods on the vine until they turn tan and papery. Pole limas often mature dry beans later than bush types.

Harvest Frequently

Regular picking encourages more flowering and pod set—especially in bush varieties.

My Quick Summary

  • Warm soil (70°F+) is essential.
  • Provide heat, steady moisture, and light feeding.
  • Bush types give early crops; pole types give the richest flavor.
  • Harvest often for best yields.

With warmth, timing, and a bit of attention, lima beans are one of the most dependable and rewarding warm-season crops you can grow.

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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