When to Plant Lima Bean in Massachusetts

Growing Lima Bean in Massachusetts: Complete Guide

Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Massachusetts, the right time to direct sow is around Friday, April 10, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.

Because Massachusetts stretches across 3 USDA hardiness zones (6a, 6b, 7a), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 75 days to maturity, Lima Bean fits comfortably within Massachusetts's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.

Lima Bean requires full sun (6-8 hours) and regular (1 inch/week) moisture. In the Northeast, cool summers and moderate humidity can slow warm-season crops, so choose a sheltered, south-facing spot to maximise heat.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Massachusetts.