Lima Bean in Zone 5a & 5b
Phaseolus lunatus
When to plant lima bean in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Lima Bean doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 31–Jun 7 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 14–Aug 21 (~75 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-2 ft.
Lima beans are a heat-loving relative of the common bush bean, grown for their plump, buttery shell beans rather than a snap pod eaten pod and all.
How lima bean fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Lima Bean needs about 75 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Lima Bean.
Where to buy lima bean seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing lima bean" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 5b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Lima Bean in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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