1# HENDERSON LIMA BEANS

Henderson Lima Bean is a popular bush-type lima bean known for its reliability, early harvest, and productive yields.

🫘 Key features

• Type: Bush lima bean (does not need trellising)

• Plant height: About 12–18 inches tall

• Bean size: Small to medium

• Color: Light green turning cream when mature

• Seed type: Usually grown for dried beans, but can be eaten fresh

🌱 Why gardeners like it

• Early maturing compared to many lima beans

• Compact plants — great for smaller gardens

• High yields for a bush variety

• Performs well even in cooler climates compared to pole limas

🌿 Growing basics

• Sun: Full sun

• Planting time: After last frost when soil is warm (around 65°F+)

• Spacing:

  • Seeds: 2–4 inches apart

  • Rows: 18–30 inches apart

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

• Water: Keep evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod set

⏱ Growth timeline

• Germination: ~7–14 days

• Harvest: about 60–70 days (relatively quick for lima beans)

👍 Uses

• Fresh eating: Harvest young, tender beans

• Dry beans: Let pods mature and dry for storage

• Freezing or canning for long-term use

⚠️ Tips for best results

• Don’t plant too early — cold soil slows growth

• Avoid overwatering (can cause root issues)

• Harvest regularly to encourage more production

• Bush type doesn’t need support, unlike pole limas

✅ How it fits with your other plants

• Sunflowers: Add height, pollinators, and shade edges

• Watermelon: Sprawling vines — give lots of space

• Beets (mangel/sugar): Root crops for feed or plots

• Henderson lima beans: Compact, productive, adds a nitrogen-fixing crop to improve soil