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Baby Fordhook Lima Bean Seeds

Phaseolus lunatus

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Lima beans cannot survive cold weather, so plant them well after the last frost when the soil temperature is at least 70 degrees. Plant them in a sunny location about 5" apart, "eye" side down, and 1" deep, in rows 24" to 36" apart. Germination may be slow. The soil should be enriched with compost or other organic matter, and deeply worked.

Growing: Thin to 8" apart, but do not transplant. Do not over-water, since this can cause the seedlings to rot. Keep weeds under control before the plants start blossoming, since disturbing the plants while they are in bloom can cause the blossoms to drop off.

Harvesting: The first harvest should be about 70 days after germination. Pick the beans when the pod begins to fill out and feels firm. Generally, the smaller the bean the more tender it will taste. Prompt picking actually increases the harvest, while leaving the pods on the plant too long results in tough beans.

Seed Saving: Varieties of lima, runner, or fava beans will cross pollinate. To prevent cross pollination, isolate the plants you are saving for seed from these other varieties by at least a half a mile. Near the end of the growing season, allow the beans to dry completely on the vine; the pods will be light brown, and the seeds will rattle inside. Remove the seeds from the pods. After the seeds are completely dry, store them in a cool, dry place for up to a year.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Phaseolus lunatus

Type: Open Pollinated, Warm Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 60

Planting Method: Direct Sow

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 20 Inches

Color: Green

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~50 Seeds) $3.75 Notify Me
1/4 Lb Mylar (~240 Seeds) $7.96 $7.27 Notify Me
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $10.80 Notify Me
5 Lb Mylar (2.27kg) $48.60 Notify Me
10 Lb Mylar (4.54kg) $86.40 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

This bean produces small white delicately flavored lima beans. Excellent for canning and freezing, Baby Fordhook is a great variety for the home garden and market garden! It is heat tolerant and can adapt to a wide range of conditions. It matures in about 70 days.
Lima beans, named for the capital city of Peru where they were first discovered by the Spaniards, originated in the wilds of Central and South America. Archaeologists find that lima beans often appear painted on clay pottery, and apparently made up an important part of the diet of the ancient Incans. Traders and explorers brought the lima bean to their own countries, where it spread far and wide.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Lima beans cannot survive cold weather, so plant them well after the last frost when the soil temperature is at least 70 degrees. Plant them in a sunny location about 5" apart, "eye" side down, and 1" deep, in rows 24" to 36" apart. Germination may be slow. The soil should be enriched with compost or other organic matter, and deeply worked.

Growing: Thin to 8" apart, but do not transplant. Do not over-water, since this can cause the seedlings to rot. Keep weeds under control before the plants start blossoming, since disturbing the plants while they are in bloom can cause the blossoms to drop off.

Harvesting: The first harvest should be about 70 days after germination. Pick the beans when the pod begins to fill out and feels firm. Generally, the smaller the bean the more tender it will taste. Prompt picking actually increases the harvest, while leaving the pods on the plant too long results in tough beans.

Seed Saving: Varieties of lima, runner, or fava beans will cross pollinate. To prevent cross pollination, isolate the plants you are saving for seed from these other varieties by at least a half a mile. Near the end of the growing season, allow the beans to dry completely on the vine; the pods will be light brown, and the seeds will rattle inside. Remove the seeds from the pods. After the seeds are completely dry, store them in a cool, dry place for up to a year.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Phaseolus lunatus

Type: Open Pollinated, Warm Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 60

Planting Method: Direct Sow

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 20 Inches

Color: Green