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Growing King of the Garden Pole Lima Beans in the Vegetable Garden

Since these are pole beans, they need a sturdy trellis, fence, or pole to climb. Allow ample space for the vines to stretch and get good airflow to prevent diseases. If your soil is poor, you can amend it with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer before planting. Plant the seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date has passed. Optimal soil temperature should be 60-80 F for germination. Space the seeds about 5 inches apart depending on the structure you are using. They do not get bushy but need something to climb on or else will sprawl on the ground.

Lima beans need regular watering, especially when pods are forming. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering helps develop strong root systems. These beans do best in moderately fertile soil. Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, which can compete with the beans for nutrients and water.

Harvesting King of the Garden Pole Lima Beans

King of the Garden Pole Lima Beans are typically harvested as shelling beans. You’ll know they’re ready when the pods are plump, well-filled, and still tender. The beans inside should be fully formed but not dried. For fresh use, harvest when the pods are still green. Use your hands or garden shears to cut pods from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages more pod production.

About King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean Garden Seeds

King of the Garden Pole beans have been grown for over 100 years, making it a reliable heirloom variety with a proven track record. It was bred to produce large, flavorful beans, and its vines grow prolifically in warm climates.

Once established, this variety is easy to care for, with minimal pest or disease issues. The tall vines maximize garden space by growing vertically, allowing gardeners to produce a large amount of food in a small area.

This is a shelling bean, meaning it’s grown primarily for the beans inside the pod rather than for eating the pods themselves (as you would with snap beans like green beans). Once harvested, the beans are removed from the pods and can be used fresh, frozen, or dried.

These beans are highly versatile in the kitchen, often used in soups, stews, or cooked on their own with herbs and butter. The dried beans store well for long-term use.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"If you're looking for a crop that produces abundantly, this is a great option. You get a lot of food from relatively few plants."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer