Lima Bean
Phaseolus lunatus
Family: Fabaceae
Lima Bean grows in full sun and prefers fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter. Water needs: Moderate; keep evenly moist without waterlogging.
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How to Grow Lima Bean
Lima Bean growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter with a soil pH of 6.0-7.0, and Moderate; keep evenly moist without waterlogging water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 2-11 as an annual crop. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Lima Bean as Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable, with planting or establishment depth listed as About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size. Days to maturity are listed as Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions.
Plant Overview
Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is listed in the Fabaceae family and categorized as a legume with an annual or tender perennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Easy.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0076
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Plant type
- Legume
- Life cycle
- Annual or tender perennial
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous crop grown for edible plant parts
- Mature height
- Varies by cultivar; commonly 1-4 ft
- Mature spread
- Varies by cultivar; commonly 1-3 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
Growing Conditions
Lima Bean is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; keep evenly moist without waterlogging. The database soil reference is Fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 2-11 as an annual crop.
- Hardiness zones
- 2-11 as an annual crop
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.0
- Water needs
- Moderate; keep evenly moist without waterlogging
- Plant spacing
- Space according to mature size; commonly 6-24 in
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable and the seed depth is About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size. The listed time to maturity is Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable
- Germination temperature
- Generally 55-80°F depending on crop
- Seed depth
- About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size
- Sowing method
- Direct sow or transplant according to crop and local season
- Start indoors
- Optional for crops that tolerate transplanting; otherwise direct sow
- Transplanting
- Transplant after hardening off when temperatures suit the crop
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions
- Harvest
- Harvest at the edible stage appropriate to the crop and cultivar
- Propagation
- Seed or vegetative propagation depending on crop
- Seed saving
- Allow healthy seed to mature fully before collecting; use species-specific isolation practices where cross-pollination matters.
- Pollination
- Varies by species; many are self-pollinated or insect-pollinated
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Aphids, beetles, caterpillars, mites, slugs, and other crop-specific pests
- Common diseases
- Leaf spots, mildews, rots, wilts, and other crop-specific diseases
- Uses
- Food production, home gardens, and culinary use
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.