Fordhook 242 Lima Bean Seed

Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)

• Timing: Sow lima bean seeds outdoors after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C), typically in late spring.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Lima beans prefer well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6–8 inches, incorporating compost or a balanced fertilizer to improve nutrient levels and drainage.
• Planting Seeds:
  • For bush lima beans, sow seeds 1–1.5 inches deep, spacing them 4–6 inches apart in rows.
  • For pole lima beans, sow seeds 1–1.5 inches deep, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Provide a sturdy trellis or other support structure, as pole varieties will climb.
• Thinning: Not typically required, as seeds are spaced appropriately for mature plants.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7–10 days. Once established, water evenly, providing about 1 inch per week, especially during flowering and pod formation.

Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)

• Timing: Lima beans are generally sown directly outdoors. However, if starting indoors, sow seeds 2–3 weeks before the last frost date.
• Containers: Use deep pots to allow for root growth and minimize root disturbance during transplanting.
• Planting:
  • Sow seeds 1 inch deep, placing 1 seed per pot.
  • Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently.
• Germination:
  • Maintain a temperature of 70–75°F (21–24°C) for optimal germination.
  • Expect seedlings to emerge within 7–10 days.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors once soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F (18°C) and after the last frost. Space bush plants 4–6 inches apart and pole plants 6 inches apart, providing support for pole varieties.

General Care Tips for Lima Beans

• Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and pod formation. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
• Fertilizing: Lima beans are light feeders. Enrich soil with compost at planting; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can reduce bean production.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Mulching helps control weed growth and maintain soil moisture.
• Supporting Pole Lima Beans: Pole varieties require a sturdy trellis or other support structure for vertical growth, improving air circulation and making harvesting easier.