How to Grow Lima Beans

Updated June 2026

A warm-season fruiting for the home garden across the warmer US.

Lima Beans are a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

🌱 Plant profile: Lima Beans, with sowing times for your region, companion plants and common pests.

When to plant

Plant Lima Beans in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the lima beans page for exact timing.

Varieties

Henderson Bush, Reliable baby butterbean, no trellis (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)
Florida Speckled (Calico), Heat-loving Southern pole lima (Baker Creek)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 3 in between plants.
Sowing: sow about 1.25 in deep.
Water: roughly 1.8 gal per plant every 4 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids and Stink bugs. In humid regions, Root-knot nematode and Downy mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Lima Beans are usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant lima beans where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →

Plant profile

The lima beans profile has sowing times for your region, companion plants and common pests.

Lima Beans