What it is
Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is in the Fabaceae (Legume) family. Heat-loving protein crop. Needs warm soil but rewards you with storable, calorie-dense beans.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it moderate, and give it average, warm soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–6.8. Space plants about 6 in apart. Expect roughly 65–90. Warm-season annual.
How it's used
Lima Bean is used: fresh shelled, dried.
🔎 How to identify it
- Broad three-leaflet leaves
- Small white flowers
- Flat curved pods
Edibility
PartsSeeds (always cooked)
UsesFresh shelled, dried
CautionRaw beans contain cyanogenic compounds — always cook thoroughly.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.