How to Grow Lima Beans from Seed

 

One of the most nutritious legumes that can be easily grown at home is Lima bean plants.  The Lima bean plants actually produce delicious beans that can be eaten fresh, dried, or frozen for later use. If you are a garden beginner or you are actually an experienced grower, growing lima bean plants from seed is really a rewarding process. On this article I will explain everything you really need to know about growing this nutritious legume plants successfully from seed to harvest.

Understanding The Lima Bean Plants

The Lima beans which is botanically called Phaseolus lunatus are warm-season crops that actually thrive in sunny conditions. The Lima bean plants are available in 2 main types:

·  The bush lima beans varieties: The bush lima beans varieties are Compact plants that grow about one to two feet tall and they mature relatively quickly.

·  The pole lima beans varieties: The pole lima beans varieties are climbing plants that can grow six to ten feet tall and they require support such as stakes, poles, or trellises.

The pole lima bean varieties usually produce beans over a longer period, while the bush lima bean varieties are actually easier to manage in smaller gardens.

Choosing the Right Location For Lima Beans Plant

One of the most important steps to take in planting a healthy lima beans is selecting a suitable planting.

The Sunlight Requirements For Lima Bean Plants

The lima bean plants really need full sunlight for optimal growth. Make sure you choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The more sunlight on the lima beans plant often results in stronger plants and better yields.

The Soil Conditions For Planting

The lima bean plants prefer:

·  A good well-drained soil

·  A loose and fertile soil

·  A soil pH that is between 6.0 and 7.0

Don’t forget that heavy clay soils can cause drainage problems, while extremely sandy soils cannot really retain enough moisture. Adding compost before planting the lima beans can actually improve the soil quality and fertility.

Preparing the Soil For Planting

Before planting the lima beans you need to prepare the garden bed thoroughly.

1.    Make sure you remove weeds, rocks, and debris.

2.    You need to loosen the soil to a depth of eight to twelve inches.

3.    You need to mix in compost or a well-rotted organic matter.

4.    Make sure you rake the soil smooth.

Try as much as possible to avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer because it can easily encourage leaf growth instead of bean production.

Also Read: How to Grow an Apple Tree from Seed

When to Grow The Lima Bean Plant Seeds

The lima bean plants are actually sensitive to cold weather and they should be planted only after the danger of frost has passed.

Furthermore, the ideal soil temperature is between sixty-five degree Fahrenheit and eighty-five degree Fahrenheit. Cold soil can really cause poor seed germination or seed rot.

In most tropical regions the lima bean plants can be grown during the periods with warm temperatures and reliable moisture.

Growing The Lima Bean Plant Seeds

Selection The Seed For Planting

Buy quality Lima plant seeds from a reputable supplier. Make sure you check the package date and also choose the lima bean seeds that are fresh and suitable for your climate.

The Planting Depth

You can plant the lima bean seeds:

·  About one to one and half inches deep

·  Directly in the garden

The lima bean plants usually do not transplant very well, so direct sowing is highly recommended for the plant.

Spacing The Plant

For the bush Lima beans varieties:

·  Space the lima bean seeds four to six inches apart

·  Leave about eighteen to twenty-four inches between rows

For pole Lima beans varieties:

·  Space the Lima beans seeds six inches apart

·  Leave about thirty to thirty-six inches between rows

The proper spacing of the Lima beans plants actually improves air circulation and reduces disease risk on the plant.

Watering Requirements For Lima Beans Plants

Consistent moisture is really very important during the seed germination and flowering.

After Planting The Lima Bean Seeds

Make sure you water the soil gently after planting in other to keep it evenly moist. Make sure you avoid overwatering because this can cause seeds to rot.

During the Plant Growth

Make sure you provide approximately one inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, either from rainfall or from irrigation.

Signs that the Lima beans plants need water are:

·  Wilting of the plant leaves

·  Dry soil some inches below the surface

·  The slow growth of the plant

Mulching around the Lima beans plants can really help retain moisture and also reduce weed growth around the Lima beans plants.

Supporting The Pole Lima Beans Plants

The pole lima beans plants actually need sturdy support structures.

You can use the following:

·  Trellises

·  Garden netting

·  A Bamboo pole

·  A Wooden stake

Make sure you install supports before planting the Lima beans or shortly afterward in other to avoid damaging the roots later.

As the vines grow you need to gently guide them onto the support structure.

Fertilizing the Lima Beans Plants

Actually the Lima beans are legumes which simply mean that they can obtain some nitrogen through beneficial soil bacteria.

Normally, they do not really require heavy fertilization.

However, a good balanced fertilizer applied before planting is usually sufficient for the Lima beans plants. Good compost can also provide many necessary nutrients for the Lima beans plants.

Try as much as possible to avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer because it may reduce bean production.

Managing Weeds Around The Lima Beans Plants

Weeds actually compete with lima beans plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

You can easily control weeds by:

·  Hand-pulling them regularly around the plants

·  Applying organic mulch around the plants

·  Cultivating shallowly around the Lima Beans plants

You need to be very careful not to damage the roots when removing the weeds.

Common Pests on Lima Beans Plants

There are a lot of pests that attack lima bean plants.

The Aphids On Lima Beans Plants

Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap and can weaken plants.

The control methods are:

·  Spraying the Lima beans plants with water

·  By introducing a beneficial insects like ladybugs

·  By using an insecticidal soap when it is necessary

The Bean Beetles

The Bean beetles can chew holes in the plant leaves and pods.

A regular inspection of the plant and manual removal can help reduce the damage of this insect on the plant.

The Spider Mites On Lima Beans Plants

The spider mites are tiny pests that thrive during hot, dry weather.

Actually maintaining adequate moisture around the Lima beans plants and spraying the Lima beans plants with water can help control infestations.

Common Diseases on Lima Beans Plants

 Powdery Mildew On Lima Beans Plants

These are actually fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the Lima beans plant leaves.

The prevention is:

·  A proper spacing of the plant

·  Good air circulation around the plant

·  Watering at soil level instead of wetting the Lima beans plant leaves

Root Rot

Root rot is actually caused by poorly drained soil.

You can easily prevent it by:

·  Avoiding overwatering on the plant

·  Using a good well-drained soil

·  Also practicing crop rotation

How To Harvest Lima Beans

The harvesting time for Lima beans actually depends on whether you want the fresh or the dry beans.

The Fresh Lima Beans

You can carefully pick the pods when they are:

·  Green in color

·  Firm

·  And well-filled

You can open a pod to check the bean size if you are unsure.

The fresh lima beans need to be cooked before eating.

The Dry Lima Beans

For the dry Lima beans:

·  You can leave the pods on the plant until they turn brown in color and dry.

·  Make sure you harvest before a prolonged wet weather arrives.

·  You can shell the Lima beans and then allow them to dry completely before storage.

How To Store Lima Beans

The Fresh Lima Beans

The fresh shelled lima beans can actually be refrigerated for some days.

The Frozen Lima Beans

You can easily blanch the Lima beans briefly in boiling water before freezing to preserve the quality.

Dry Lima Beans

You can easily store the fully dried Lima beans in airtight containers in a cool, dry location. The properly stored Lima beans can really remain viable for a very long time.