How to Grow Lima Bean
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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need
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Find Your Lima Bean Planting Dates
🌿 Plant Overview
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
💧
Water
Regular (1 inch/week)
↔️
Spacing
6" apart
🌱
Depth
1" deep
📏
Height
18-24"
🌱
Germination
7-14 days
Ready to Grow Lima Bean?
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🤝 Good Companions
⚠️ Avoid Planting Near
🌾 Seed Saving Guide
🟢 EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Allow pods to dry and turn brown on the vine before picking.
Processing
Shell dried pods, cure seeds on screen for 2 weeks, then store in a cool dry place.
Seed Viability
Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Lima beans self-pollinate before the flower opens — easy to keep varieties pure.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Lima Bean. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Lima Bean Planting Calendar by Zone
Lima Bean Planting Calendar by State
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Bean? +
Sow Lima Bean seeds directly in the garden 0 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Lima Bean take to grow? +
Lima Bean typically matures in about 75 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Lima Bean indoors or direct sow? +
Lima Bean does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Lima Bean need? +
Lima Bean requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Lima Bean? +
Space Lima Bean plants 6 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Lima Bean need? +
Lima Bean has regular (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Lima Bean? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Lima Bean is rated easy. Allow pods to dry and turn brown on the vine before picking. Shell dried pods, cure seeds on screen for 2 weeks, then store in a cool dry place.
How long do Lima Bean seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Lima Bean seeds remain viable for up to 4 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Lima Bean seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Lima Bean is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Lima Bean
Buttery, heat-loving bean that needs warm soil to germinate. Direct sow after last frost when soil is 65°F+. Fixes nitrogen in soil.
Expect your Lima Bean to be ready for harvest in approximately 75 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.