Bean Seeds - Bush - Henderson Lima
65-85 Days to maturity. Phaseolus lunatus. Henderson Lima Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, high-yielding, heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant, bush, shell, lima bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Native to Central America, lima beans are ideal for growing in warmer climates with plenty of sun. Lima beans can thrive in soils that drain well and have an average temperature. They have been described as having a buttery texture with a delicate flavor, and these beans are great for canning and freezing. The Henderson Lima Bean is a popular variety of lima beans that is valued for its productivity, reliability, and adaptability. ~66 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Henderson Lima Beans in the Vegetable Garden
To plant Henderson Lima Beans, start by choosing a sunny location with well-drained soil. Direct sowing is the most effective method, as lima beans do not transplant well. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep directly into the soil after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is at least 65 F. Lima beans are warm-season crops, so it’s crucial to wait until the soil has warmed sufficiently to avoid poor germination.
Space the seeds 4 to 6 inches apart in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart. Proper spacing is essential to ensure each plant has enough room to grow without competing for nutrients, water, and sunlight. If you’re planting in a smaller garden or containers, aim to maintain similar spacing, although you might be able to reduce the row spacing slightly in a more compact setup. Water the plants consistently, especially during dry spells. Lima beans require about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or supplemental watering.
Lima beans are not heavy feeders, but they do benefit from a balanced fertilizer. Before planting, you can work some compost or a balanced fertilizer into the soil to provide a good nutrient foundation. Be careful not to disturb the shallow roots of the plants when weeding. As the plants mature, they will shade the soil, reducing weed growth naturally.
Harvesting Henderson Lima Beans
Henderson Lima Beans are a shelling variety, which means they are grown for their seeds rather than their pods. Harvesting typically begins when the pods have filled out and turned a light green color. The beans inside should be plump and firm. Wait for the pods to dry out before harvesting if you hope for dry, long-term storage beans.
To harvest, gently pull the pods from the plant, or use scissors to snip them off to avoid damaging the plant. After harvesting, you can shell the beans by hand or let them dry for a few days to make shelling easier. For fresh use, shell the beans immediately after harvesting. If you’re planning to dry the beans for storage, leave them on the plant until the pods turn brown and dry out, then harvest and shell.
About Henderson Lima Bean Garden Seeds
This heirloom variety was first introduced in 1888 by Peter Henderson & Co., a prominent seed company in the United States. It was bred to be a dependable and early-producing variety, suitable for home gardens.
Sometimes referred to as "Baby Lima" due to the small size of the beans.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Henderson Lima Bean is its resilience. It was specifically bred to withstand hot and dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in warmer climates.
Additionally, its compact bush habit makes it suitable for small gardens and container gardening. The beans themselves are small, white, and have a creamy, buttery flavor that makes them a favorite in many dishes.
Stories From Our Gardeners
"Lima beans, including Henderson Lima Beans, are a nutritious addition to the diet. They are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium. "
 |
- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Henderson Lima Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 20 g - Approximately 46 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 264 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 1,056 Seeds
- 5 lb - Approximately 5,280 Seeds
- 25 lb - Approximately 26,400 Seeds
Non-GMO Henderson Lima Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Phaseolus lunatus |
| Bean Sub-Type: | Lima - Lima beans (also called butter beans, sieva beans or double beans) are large flat round beans originally from South America. They have a mild flavor with a creamy texture. |
| Henderson Lima Bean Color: | Green, White |
| Henderson Lima Bean Flavor: | Mild, buttery flavor that is characteristic of lima beans. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 65-85 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 4-6 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 18-24 inches |
| Plant Height: | 18-24 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F). |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes, direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 60 F. Planting with an inoculant may increase yields, but is certainly not required for a successful grow. |
| Start Indoors: | Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting. |
| Bean Pollination: | Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having a variety of pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by ensuring the greatest chances for pollinating events to occur. |
| Snap or Shell Bean: | Shell - Shell beans have a non-edible woody or fibrous husk that contains the edible beans within. For example, edamame has the beans inside, but you wouldn't want to eat the husk. Shell beans are also sometimes referred to as shelling beans. |
| Pole or Bush Bean: | Bush - Bush beans grow on low-growing, compact, upright, bushy plants that typically do not need a trellis, pole, or other support. Bush beans are usually favorable to container growing. |
| Plant Width: | 10-12 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Mid - Ready for harvest around 66-86 days. |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 70-90 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keeping your bean plants clean from dust build-up and surrounded by a variety of plants to help deter and prevent pest damage. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Bean Use: | Typically used for shelling beans. They are versatile in the kitchen and can be used in soups, stews, casseroles, and side dishes. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat, Drought |