Henderson Lima Bean

Seed Count: Approx. 15 Seeds

Days to Maturity: 65-75 days

Bush variety, shelling/dry bean

Description:  The Henderson Lima Bean is a drought tolerant, early producing heirloom that'll give you loads of buttery, tasty beans.  These productive bush beans will produce loads of pods that'll have 3-4 light green baby lima beans each.  However, the beans will turn white if allowed to dry.  Lima beans are great to add in casseroles, soups, and stews, and perfect for canning or freezing.  These beans are super easy to grow, do well in the summer heat, and are pretty disease resistant.  

How To Grow

Sowing:  Sow in average soil, in a sunny location, after the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees, as seeds may rot in cooler soils. Sow seeds 3 inches apart, and about 1-2 inches deep.  For a continuous crop sow new seeds every two weeks.  Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days depending on soil and weather conditions. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart, in all directions, when they are about 1-2" high.  Beans do great companion planted with beets, marigolds, carrots, celery, swiss chard, corn, cucumbers, peas, potatoes, strawberry, radishes and cabbage.  However, avoid growing near all members of the allium family, and sunflowers.

Growing:  In dry weather, keep soil well watered. Plants need about 2-3 inches of water per week during the growing season. Make sure foliage has time to dry in order to reduce disease.  Soybeans can suffer from powdery mildew, leaf blight, root rot, and other bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, and deer can be serious pests for this plant so keep them protected.  These beans grow in a bush habit and should not need support, but I do sometimes provide support once they get filled with beans, if I notice them falling over.

Harvesting:  Lima Beans are ready to harvest when the bean pods begin to fill out and feel firm.  They are more tender when picked smaller., if left too long they will get tough.  Picking often, will ensure more productivity.  To harvest mature dry beans for seeds, wait until the pods have fully dried on the plant, and the seeds are hard. If frost or rainy weather conditions threaten, pull the plants, and dry in a cool, dry place indoors.  Beans should be completely dry 10-15 days later. Remove the seeds from the pods by hand.  Store your seeds in a cool, dry place, and in an airtight container.  They will remain viable for up to 1-2 years.