Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is an annual vegetable in the Fabaceae family, native to Andes of Peru (large-seeded) and Mesoamerica (small-seeded). It grows 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 1 °C (34 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Lima bean in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Lima bean at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 1 °C (34 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 8–11 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 100 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: mature seeds (cooked), immature seeds (cooked) |
| Native to | Andes of Peru (large-seeded) and Mesoamerica (small-seeded) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Lima bean toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: raw seeds, foliage
Raw seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides (linamarin) and lectins; boiling in an open pot makes them safe, and coloured seeds carry more.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lima bean
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Root rots: Fusarium and Aphanomyces root rots build up where legumes repeat. Evidence C
Questions about Lima bean
- How far apart should I plant Lima bean?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Lima bean need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lima bean need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Lima bean?
- It tolerates about 1 °C (34 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Lima bean flower?
- About 8–11 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks.
- Is Lima bean poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Raw seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides (linamarin) and lectins; boiling in an open pot makes them safe, and coloured seeds carry more.
- What grows well with Lima bean?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- A short-lived perennial in the tropics, grown as an annual; flower drop above about 32 C. Pole types assumed.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis
- Soybean (edamame) Glycine max