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How to Grow Lima Bean

Phaseolus lunatus

Tender Warm Season Continuous Harvest

When to Start

Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 15°C and soil has warmed to at least 18°C.

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Growth Stages

Sow seeds
Germination ~10d
Flowering ~55d
Fruiting ~65d
Harvest ~80d

Approximate days from start

Care Essentials

  • Rarely needed — lima beans fix their own nitrogen. A light liquid feed when pods begin to swell can help on poor soils.
  • Lima beans will not germinate in cold soil — wait until soil temperature is reliably above 18°C before sowing. Regular harvesting of plump green pods keeps the plant producing; leaving pods to dry on the vine signals it to stop flowering.

Companion Planting

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Growing Conditions

Min. soil temperature: 18°C+
Germination temperature: 18–30°C

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Spacing & Planting

Plant spacing 15 cm
Row spacing 60 cm
Sow depth 3 cm
Mature height 200 cm
Mature spread 30 cm

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Care Guide

Feeding
Rarely needed — lima beans fix their own nitrogen. A light liquid feed when pods begin to swell can help on poor soils.
Watch for
  • Aphids
  • Mexican bean beetle
  • Downy mildew
  • Root rot in waterlogged soil

Growing Conditions

Min. soil temperature18°C
Germination temperature18–30°C
Base growth temperature15°C
Min. daylength to start10h
Photoperiod sensitivityshort day

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Lima Bean?
Plant Lima Bean 15cm apart with 60cm between rows.
Is Lima Bean frost hardy?
Lima Bean is classified as Tender.

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