Lima Bean (Henderson)

📖 About This Plant

Lima Bean (Henderson) is a classic bush lima bean producing small, tender, creamy-white beans with a rich, buttery flavor superior to store-bought lima beans. A compact bush variety reaching just 18 inches, Henderson fits small gardens and doesn't require staking or trellising. Maturing in 65–70 days in zones 3–9, it's heat-loving and should be planted after soil warms to 65°F. Henderson produces prolifically over a 3–4 week period, then finishes — perfect for a concentrated harvest for fresh eating or freezing. The small 'baby lima' size makes them especially tender and quick-cooking. Unlike pole limas, Henderson's compact habit and quick maturity make it ideal for short-season gardens and small raised beds.

📊 Quick Facts

📅 When to Plant in Your Area

🌱 Care Tips

Direct sow Henderson bush lima beans after last frost when soil reaches 65°F — cold soil causes seed rot. Plant 1 inch deep, 4–6 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. Lima beans fix their own nitrogen, so avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers which produce leafy vines with few pods. Water consistently during flowering and pod fill — drought during these stages causes flowers to drop. Side-dress with a balanced fertilizer low in nitrogen at flowering time. Harvest when pods are plump and filled out but still bright green — overripe pods become tough, starchy, and lose the buttery flavor. Pick every 3–4 days to keep plants producing. Shell fresh or blanch and freeze immediately after harvest for best flavor. Susceptible to bean beetles — handpick or use row covers early in the season.

🤝 Companion Plants

These plants grow well alongside Lima Bean:

🌿 Related Vegetable

More vegetable that grow in similar conditions:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions