Plant Database / Lima bean plant care

Lima bean

Phaseolus lunatus

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Belonging to the Phaseolus genus, Lima bean has a botanical name of Phaseolus lunatus.

A vigorous climbing tropical lima bean, which will last for many years in the ground. It is excellent at coping with wet, humid conditions. There is usually little pod production in the first year but it is prolific after that. It is tolerant of a wide variety of soil types.

Madagascar bean needs a sturdy trellis as it grows vigorously. This is an excellent hardy bean for warmer climates as it dies backs and re-shoots every year. The beans (not the pods) can be eaten fresh, while still white before any colour shows. They also dry well on the vine to a beautiful speckled red and white bean that can be stored for winter soups and casseroles.

The seeds are an attractive white with burgundy speckles. The shelled beans can be used fresh or dried in soups and stews. The dried beans can also be used to make tempeh. The sprouted seeds are used as a vegetable in Chinese cooking. The young pods are steamed and eaten. The young leaves can also be steamed and eaten but have a bitter flavour.

Source: Green Harvest

It is an edible vegetable that typically grows as an annual/perennial, which is defined as a plant that can matures and completes its lifecycle over the course of one year or more. Lima bean is known for its climber-like habit and growing to a height of approximately 3.00 metres (9.75 feet).

Due to how easy it is to grow in a variety of conditions, Lima bean is great for beginner gardeners and those that like low maintainance gardens.

This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Lima bean have been kindly provided by our members.

How to grow Lima bean

Full Sun
+
High

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water often. Use Zone 6 - Zone 14 as your guideline for the appropriate climate for this plant. A soil ph of between 6.6 and 7.5 is ideal for Lima bean as it does best in weakly acidic soil - weakly alkaline soil. Keep in mind when planting that Lima bean is thought of as tender, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside.

Growing Lima bean from seed

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 1.95 feet (60.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.78 inches (2.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 10°C / 50°F to ensure good germination.

Transplanting Lima bean

Companion plants for Lima bean

These plants have been known to grow well alongside Lima bean so consider planting:

Repellent plants for Lima bean

These plants will not grow well with Lima bean so avoid planting these within close proximity:

Common Lima bean problems

These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Lima bean plants:

Other names for Lima bean

Butter bean, Madagascar bean, Haba bean, Pallar bean, Burma bean, Guffin bean, Hibbert bean, Java bean, Sieva bean, Rangood bean, Paiga, Paigya, Prolific bean, Civet bean, Sugar bean, Tropical lima bean, Dwarf bean, Bean

Phaseolus limensis

Latest Lima bean Reviews

11 Dec 2011

naturedance's Bean 'Christmas Speckled Lima Bean' was Reviewed day 227

I planted them, basically ignored them, and ended up getting about double the number of dried beans harvested as I planted. The local insects really seemed to enjoy eating the leaves, and this seems to have saved some of my nearby tomato plants. All in

3 stars
27 Oct 2011

PoppyJen's Lima beans, Christmas pole was Reviewed day 161

Will definitely have to plant more intensively or more than 1 row (5’) next year. Harvested plenty of seeds to plant and share, but not enough to cook with.

0 stars

See all Lima bean reviews and experiences »

Lima bean care instructions

Category The lifecycle that this Lima bean exhibits. Annual/Perennial Difficulty How easy is Lima bean to grow? Very easy 1/5
Lifecycle The lifecycle that this Lima bean exhibits. Annual/Perennial Growth Habit What shape or habit does Lima bean grow into? Climbing
Hardiness How frost hardy is Lima bean? Tender Country of Origin Where did Lima bean come from? Help build our wiki!
Mature Height How tall does Lima bean grow? 3.00 metres / 9.75 feet Mature Spread How wide does Lima bean grow? Help build our wiki!
USDA Zone Range Which zones does Lima bean grow best in? Zone 6 to Zone 14 pH Range The level of acidity for Lima bean. 6.6 - 7.5
Water Requirements How much water does Lima bean require? High Nitrogen Requirements How much nitrogen fertilizer does Lima bean need? Low
Soil What sort of soil should I plant Lima bean in? Help build our wiki! Sun How much sunlight does Lima bean need to grow? Full Sun
Can Sow Direct? Can Lima bean be sown directly? No Sowing Depth How deep to plant Lima bean? 2.0 cm / 0.78 inches
Sowing Distance Apart How far apart to plant Lima bean? 60.0 cm / 1.95 feet Sowing Row Distance Apart How far apart to plant rows of Lima bean? Help build our wiki!
Ideal Germination Temperature Range What temperatures does Lima bean need in order to germinate? 10°C / 50°F to 35°C / 95°F Growing Temperatures What temperatures are best to grow Lima bean in? Help build our wiki! to Help build our wiki!
Planting Distance Apart How far apart to plant Lima bean seedlings. Help build our wiki! Planting Row Distance Apart How far apart to plant rows of Lima bean seedlings. Help build our wiki!
Bloom Time When will Lima bean bloom? Help build our wiki! Harvest Time When is Lima bean ready for harvest? Help build our wiki!
Pruning Time When should I prune Lima bean? Help build our wiki!

How long does Lima bean take to grow?

These estimates for how long Lima bean takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world. Start logging and journaling your observations to participate!

Days to Germination How long does it take Lima bean to germinate? 5 days Average 5 days | Min 3 days | Max 12 days (11)
Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Lima bean? + 26 days Average 26 days | Min 26 days | Max 26 days (1)
Days to Maturity How long until Lima bean is ready for harvest / bloom? + 123 days Average 123 days | Min 111 days | Max 148 days (6)
Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Lima bean? = 154 days

Footnotes

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