Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org / CC BY 3.0
garden
Lima bean
Phaseolus lunatus
EdibleMedicinalNitrogen Fixer
Edible Partsseed
Overview
A heat-loving legume native to Central America that produces creamy, buttery beans available in both bush and pole varieties. Lima beans are sometimes called butter beans in the Southern US, where they are a soul food staple. Baby limas are milder and more tender than large varieties, and all types provide exceptional plant-based protein and fiber.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones5 — 11
Height0.5m
Spread0.3m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanAnnual
Pollinator Valuehigh
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Meadows & Open Areas
- Native Range
- also native to Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica and 14 more regions; introduced in Indiana, Kentucky
- Cultivation Region
- Temperate regions
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, warm loam
Sowing & Propagation
Germination Time12 days
Germination Temp25°C
Germination Rate100%
Light for Germination8/16
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Jun — Jun | Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F; very frost sensitive |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Aug — Sep | Harvest when pods are plump but still green; 75-90 days |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow after soil is 65°F; do not start indoors |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Pick pods when plump; shell promptly |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow when soil is 65°F+; needs long warm season |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Harvest pods when firm and plump |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Direct sow in spring; soil must be 65°F+ |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Jul — Aug | Second planting for fall harvest |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | May — Jul | Harvest spring planting |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Harvest fall planting |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Feb — Apr | Sow in spring; also Aug-Sep for fall crop |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | May — Jun | Spring harvest; pick before pods dry |
Uses
Culinary
- Succotash with corn — a Native American classic
- Slow-cooked with ham hock in Southern tradition
- Pureed into dips and spreads
Medicinal
- Rich in molybdenum, an important trace mineral for detoxification
- High in folate and manganese
- Fiber and protein support blood sugar management
Other Uses
- Nitrogen-fixing crop for crop rotation
Safety Notes
Raw lima beans contain linamarin which converts to cyanide. Must be thoroughly cooked. Never eat raw.
