fruit vegetable

Lima Bean

The Story

Plant Bio

Phaseolus lunatus, commonly known as the lima bean, is a tender herbaceous annual native to Central and South America that grows as either a compact bush or a climbing vine. The foliage consists of bright green, trifoliate leaves with ovate leaflets, producing small axillary racemes of white, greenish, or pale purple pea-like flowers from summer into early fall.

This species is distinguished by its flat, crescent-shaped seed pods containing seeds that must be thoroughly cooked to neutralize toxic cyanogenic glucosides. Vining types require sturdy trellising to support their vigorous growth, while compact bush selections remain self-supporting.

Uses & Benefits:

Vining types provide rapid, lush green vertical screening on trellises and structures throughout the summer.

Produces highly nutritious, protein-rich edible seeds that store well when dried or frozen.

Flowers attract native bees, honeybees, and other generalist insect pollinators to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fruit Vegetable

Height

118"

Width

35"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Central and South America

Toxicity

Toxic if raw

Bloom period

Summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with well-drained, fertile loam and a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Install a sturdy trellis or support structure before planting if growing a vining variety.
Sow seeds directly into warm soil after the last frost, spacing them 3 to 6 inches apart.
Water consistently to keep soil moist during flowering and pod development, avoiding waterlogged conditions.

Pro Tip

Sow seeds only after soil temperatures consistently exceed 60°F (15°C); planting in cold, wet soil causes the seeds to rot before germinating.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil is warm and well-drained before planting.
Provide a strong trellis or support system for climbing varieties.
Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.
Cook all harvested seeds thoroughly before consuming.

Don't

Do not plant seeds in cold, wet soil below 60°F (15°C).
Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, which causes excessive vine growth and no pods.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during flowering and pod set.
Do not eat any part of the plant raw.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vegetable GardensVertical GardensEdible Landscaping

Companion Plants

Zea mays Cucurbita pepo Satureja hortensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lima Bean questions

What zones can Lima Bean grow in?

Lima Bean is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lima Bean deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Lima Bean, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Lima Bean bloom?

Lima Bean typically blooms in summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lima Bean need full sun?

Lima Bean does best in full sun (6+ hours).