When to Plant Lima Beans: Seasonal Timing for Bush and Pole Varieties

Lima beans are true heat lovers, and after decades of growing both bush and pole types in my Sonoma Valley garden, I’ve learned that planting at the right time is the single most important factor for success. Limas will simply not grow well in cool soil or unpredictable spring weather. Here’s my experience-based guide to timing your planting for a strong stand, steady flowering, and a generous harvest.

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Why Timing Matters More for Limas Than Other Beans

Unlike common beans, lima beans insist on warmth. Plant them too early and the seeds sit and rot, seedlings emerge weakly, or established plants drop blossoms during cool nights. Plant them at the right time, however, and you’ll get vigorous vines and abundant pods.

In most climates, the best planting window falls later than your typical bean-planting date, especially for large-seeded limas.

Soil Temperature: The Most Reliable Indicator

Wait for Soil to Reach 70°F (21°C) or Warmer

This has become my gold standard. Lima seeds germinate quickly and uniformly only when the soil is warm. I use a soil thermometer in early spring to check the bed mid-morning. If the temperature hovers near 70°F for several days, it’s time to plant.

Above 75°F is Ideal for Large-Seeded Types

Fordhook and Christmas limas germinate best in extra-warm soil. Cooler conditions lead to poor emergence and thin stands.

Frost Timing and Seasonal Cues

Plant 2–3 Weeks After Your Last Frost Date

Even in years when the last frost arrives early, I delay planting until I feel confident that both soil and nights will warm consistently. Lima beans dislike cold nights even after they’re up and growing.

In Warm-Winter Regions (Like My Garden)

I still wait until late spring—often mid to late May—because night temperatures must be steady. Planting too early leads to slow growth and delayed production.

Bush vs. Pole Limas: Slightly Different Timing Needs

Bush Limas (Faster Maturity)

Bush varieties such as Fordhook 242, Henderson, and Thorogreen mature more quickly and handle slightly cooler conditions. They can be planted at the beginning of the warm-soil window—as soon as soil hits 70°F.

These are my go-to varieties for early or midseason harvests.

Pole Limas (Longer Season)

Pole types like Christmas, Willow Leaf, and King of the Garden need a longer stretch of warm weather. I plant these a week or two after bush limas, when both soil and nighttime temperatures have settled firmly into warm territory.

Pole vines often take 85–100 days to mature, so choosing a warm, extended season is key.

Successive Planting for a Longer Harvest

In especially warm regions, you can plant limas in two waves:

Early warm-season planting for midsummer harvests (bush or pole).
Early summer planting (June) for a late-summer or early fall harvest (usually bush types).

I often sow a second batch of bush limas in June to keep harvests coming.

Timing Mistakes to Avoid

Planting too early in cool, wet soil – leads to seed rot and weak plants.
Planting during fluctuating spring nights – encourages blossom drop later.
Planting pole limas too late – they may not mature before cool fall nights arrive.

My Planting Rule of Thumb

Warm soil + steady warm nights = go time.
If either is missing, I wait—and my plants always perform better for it.

Plant your bush types when the soil first warms, and plant your pole types when the warm pattern is firmly established. With good timing, your limas will thrive and produce consistently.