Lima Bean in Zone 6a & 6b
Phaseolus lunatus
When to plant lima bean in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b 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 16–May 23 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 30–Aug 6 (~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 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. 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 6b 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 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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