Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Lima Bean — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Phaseolus lunatus |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–18 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–29.4 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 65–90 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 15.2–20.3 |
| Mature height (cm) | 45.7–76.2 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow seeds 1 to 1.5 in deep in loose, warm soil with the eye of the bean facing downward. Lima beans are sensitive to drought during flowering; irregular moisture can cause blossom drop and reduced pod set. For fresh shell use, harvest pods when they are bright green and plump but before they begin to fade or yellow. Allow pods to dry completely on the vine for dry bean storage.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0