As the days start to warm and the winter chill gives way to spring, now is a great time to start planning your garden. And what better crop to plant than lima beans?
Lima beans Phaseolus lunatus, more commonly known as the butter bean, sieva bean, double bean, Madagascar bean, or wax bean, is a legume grown for its edible seeds or beans that is native to South America. They are a popular food choice because they are high in fiber and protein. Lima beans can be eaten fresh, dried, or canned. They can also be used to make flour. The Lima bean plant is a climbing vine that can reach up to six feet in length.
This variety is quite distinct from the French and Broad Beans. Under suitable conditions, it is one of the most productive and nutritious beans under cultivation. Lima Beans have an extremely delicate flavor, and are not only valuable in the green state, but when dried, if properly cooked, are much superior to Haricot Beans.
The main difference between regular white kidney beans and Lima beans is that Lima beans have more starch than white kidney beans, which makes them firmer when cooked. In addition, Lima beans contain significant amounts of vitamins A and C, which give them their characteristic flavor notes as well as health benefits.
Easy to grow and low-maintenance, lima beans are a great addition for any home gardener. Let’s dive into how you can add these delightful legumes to your garden this season!
Choosing Your Variety
In North America, the Sieva-type bean is typically called a butter bean, also known as the Dixie or Henderson type. In that region, lima beans and butter beans are seen as two separate entities, though they are both of the same species. In the UK and the US, “butter beans” can refer to either dried beans that need to be rehydrated, or the canned variety that is ready to use. In culinary terms, lima beans and butter beans are distinct – the former being small and green, while the latter is large and yellow. In areas where both are considered to be lima beans, the green variety may be labelled as “baby” (or less commonly, “junior”) limas.
When choosing your variety of lima beans, it is important that you select one that is best suited for your climate. If you live in an area with a shorter growing season, there are varieties of lima beans that mature quickly, such as Fordhook 242 and Henderson Bush. On the other hand, if you live in an area with a longer growing season, try planting varieties like Jackson Wonder or King of the Garden.
There are both Dwarf and Tall varieties of lima beans.
Preparing Your Soil
Lima beans need at least 6 hours of full sun per day to produce the best results. Partial sun is okay as long as it’s warm, but they will produce less.
The soil requirements, soil preparation, and general cultivation are the same as that recommended for French Beans.
Lima beans need to be planted in well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. They should be planted in the spring after the last frost date.
Lima beans need warm weather to thrive, so seed should not be sown before the middle of Spring as these beans just love the warmth, and successional sowings can be made right through to the Autumn. Lima Beans do best in warm districts so if you’re in a cool temperate climate it’s probably best to start them in a propagator or seed box.
Once you have chosen your variety, it’s time to prepare your soil! Lima beans prefer soils that are rich in organic matter and well-draining. Therefore, it’s important that you till or spade the soil before planting so that there are no clumps of dirt or rocks. You should also add compost or other organic matter prior to planting so that the soil has all of the nutrients necessary for proper growth.
Planting & Growing
Now comes the fun part – planting!
They can be planted in hills or rows, sow the dwarf, bushy sorts in drills 2 feet apart, allowing 18 inches between the plants in the rows. Sow the seed about 2 inches deep. Plant the tall sorts in rows three feet apart, allowing about three feet between the seed in the rows. Sow the seed of tall Lima Beans about three inches deep.
Once planted, water generously until seedlings emerge (which usually takes 5-10 days). After seedlings emerge, water only when necessary as too much moisture can lead to disease and rot. As plants grow taller (upwards of 4 feet), provide support by tying them loosely onto trellises or poles so they don’t topple over from heavy winds or rainstorms.
Pests and Diseases of Lima Beans
Lima beans are susceptible to many common pests and diseases, which can cause them to spoil. These include the tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), the bean pod mite, aphids, wilts, bacterial blight, fungal blight, and spider mites. To prevent these pests and diseases from impacting your crop, it is important to identify them early on and take steps to control them.
Harvesting Lima Beans
Harvesting typically occurs 65-95 days after planting depending on variety; green pods should be harvested when they reach 3-4 inches long.
If the pods are gathered as soon as the seeds attain their fully-matured size, but before they begin to harden, the plants will, under ordinary conditions, keep on bearing throughout the Summer and Autumn. The seeds or beans are eaten in a similar way to Broad Beans or Haricots.
Lima beans can be harvested fresh or dried. Fresh Lima beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Dried Lima beans can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
With just a bit of effort and patience, adding lima beans to your garden this spring can bring abundant rewards! Not only do they have a delicious flavor but they can also provide nutrition for you and your family throughout the summer months ahead. Whether you choose bush varieties or pole varieties, growing lima beans is sure to give any home gardener great satisfaction this season.
