Lima bean Plant Care

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Phaseolus genus. Lima bean is also known as Butter bean, Sieva bean, Horticultural bean.

Lima bean displays a vining or bushy habit growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Lima bean produces small white or purple flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lima bean every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Lima bean thrives in full sun.

Phaseolus lunatus tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Lima bean prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Lima bean to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lima bean every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lima bean is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Lima bean can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Lima bean while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Lima bean is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Lima bean can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to green bean plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Lima bean is susceptible to aphids, bean beetles, leafhoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Lima bean grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Lima bean as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.