Life Cycle of a Lima Bean
The cultivation of lima beans originated in Peru approximately 9,000 years ago, according to the American Indian Health and Diet Project. "Lima" is named for Peru's capital. Also known as butter beans, haba bean and pallar bean, this species arrived in the United States in the 19th century. Does this Spark an idea?
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Soil
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In warm weather, soil temperature should range between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds are planted at a depth of 1 to 1½ inch. Pole lima beans should have a distance of at least 6 inches apart, and rows 36 inches apart. Lima bean plants mature between 65 to 75 days.
Bush Lima Beans
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Bush lima beans mature between 63 to 77 days. Bright green pods with full-size peas and soft pod ends are ready for harvest. This form tastes buttery. In dried form, this bean turns ivory white.
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Pole Lima Beans
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Pole lima beans can mature throughout the growing season and produce a longer bean and a higher yield than the bush lima bean. A fence or tepee style structure should support this vine type of bean.
Diseases and Pests
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Pods may show a white cotton-like fungal growth known as downy mildew caused by the fungus Phytophthora phaseioli. Roots can show reddish-brown lesions from Rhizoctonia root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani.
Pests include lima bean pod borers, bean aphids, bean weevils, Japanese beetles, long-tailed mealybugs, Mexican bean beetles, slugs and snails.
Safety
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Lima beans contain cyanide compounds. Soaking and cooking lima beans will reduce the toxins.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Bean in pot image by rlat from Fotolia.com
