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Growing Early Thorogreen Bush Lima Beans in the Vegetable Garden
The Early Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean seeds should be planted about 1 to 1.5 inches deep in the soil. This depth helps protect the seeds from birds and ensures that they have enough soil cover to germinate effectively. These beans are best planted directly in the garden rather than starting indoors. Lima beans are sensitive to transplanting, and direct sowing minimizes root disturbance. Ensure the soil temperature is at least 65 F to promote optimal germination.
Space the seeds 3 to 4 inches apart within the row. Rows should be 18 to 30 inches apart. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Lima beans prefer a fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. If soil quality is poor, a balanced fertilizer can be applied when the plants begin to flower.
Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Beans require about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to avoid wetting the foliage. Keep the area around the plants free of weeds, especially during the early stages of growth. Mulching can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
Harvesting Early Thorogreen Bush Lima Beans
The Early Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean is ready to harvest about 69 days after sowing. Harvest when the pods are plump and firm, and the beans inside are fully formed but still tender. The pods should be green and slightly glossy. Hold the stem of the plant with one hand and use the other to gently pull off the pods. This is a shelling variety. Unlike snap beans, which are eaten whole, lima beans are grown for the seeds inside the pods. Shell the beans by hand to extract the seeds for consumption.
About Early Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean Garden Seeds
Sometimes referred to simply as "Thorogreen Lima Beans." This variety was developed in the United States and has been a favorite among gardeners for its adaptability and early maturity, especially in regions with shorter growing seasons.
Known for its high yield, the Early Thorogreen can produce an abundant harvest with minimal input.
Lima beans are rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins (such as B6 and folate), and minerals.
At 18 inches tall, these lima beans do not need staking yet produce a high yield of delicious fruits.
Stories From Our Gardeners
"If lima beans still have a bad reputation for you from childhood, you really ought to try them fresh from the garden. They are so much better than canned or frozen limas!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Early Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 70 Seeds
- .5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 560 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 1,120 Seeds
Non-GMO Early Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
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ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Phaseolus lunatus
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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. |
Early Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean Color: |
White, Green |
Early Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean Flavor: |
The beans are known for their buttery, smooth texture and mild, nutty flavor. |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
69 |
Days to Germination: |
5-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
1 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
3-4 inches |
Row Spacing: |
18-30 inches |
Plant Height: |
18 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: |
12-18 inches |
Growth Speed: |
Mid - Ready for harvest around 66-86 days. |
Deer Resistant: |
No |
Germination Temperature: |
70-90 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
Resistant to downy mildew. 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: |
Soup, stew, casserole, side dishes, fresh, frozen, dried. |
Climate Tolerance: |
Heat |