Beans (Lima) Growing Guide Phaseolus lunatus Crop Rotation Group Legumes (Pea and Bean family) ● Soil Average, well drained soil. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant Warm-season annuals, cannot tolerate frost. Feeding Mix an organic fertilizer into the soil before planting, using rates given on the label. Supplemental fertilizer seldom required. Spacing Single Plants: 9" (25cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 5" (15cm) with 1' 1" (35cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Plant seeds 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart two weeks or more after the last frost has passed. Grow pole varieties in warm climates, but stick with faster-maturing bush varieties where summers are short. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Notes Lima beans need plenty of hot weather. They are most productive in warm climates. Harvesting For fresh eating, gather pods when they feel well-filled with seeds, and are slightly leathery. Limas for dry storage can be left on the plants until they change from green to tan. Troubleshooting Slow growth due to cool temperatures is common, but pest problems are rare. Lima beans are easy to grow in warm climates. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Beans (Lima) Aphid, Black Bean Aphids (General) Cutworm Grasshopper Japanese Beetle Mexican Bean Beetle Slug Snail Spider Mite Thrips Wireworm Plant Diseases which Affect Beans (Lima) Bean Mosaic Virus Bean Powdery Mildew Bean Root Rot Bean Rust Bean White Mold
