How to Grow Baby Lima Bean Thorogreen
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Baby Lima Bean Thorogreen
Phaseolus lunatus var. baby
vegetableThorogreen is a bush-type baby lima bean variety known for its high yield and reliable production of small, tender lima beans. These beans are popular for fresh eating, freezing, and canning due to their smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor. The compact bushy plants are ideal for home gardens and commercial production.
When should you plant Baby Lima Bean Thorogreen in your zone?
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Example Baby Lima Bean Thorogreen timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Baby Lima Bean Thorogreen
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Baby Lima Bean Thorogreen
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Baby Lima Bean Thorogreen dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in zones 2-10 with appropriate timing
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Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge 7-10 days after planting; first true leaves develop within 2 weeks. Plants are small and delicate with simple leaflets.
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings if overcrowded. Provide bright light and protect from wind.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksBushy plants develop branching stems with compound trifoliate leaves. No flowers present yet; plant focuses on establishing robust root system and foliage.
Maintain consistent watering and fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Mulch around plants to retain moisture. Monitor for pests.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white or light purple flowers appear in clusters along the stems. Flowers typically emerge 4-5 weeks after planting.
Do not overwater; excessive nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Continue consistent watering at soil level. Pollination is aided by bees and gentle air movement.
Pod Development & Fruiting
2-3 weeksFlowers transition to immature green pods that enlarge over 1-2 weeks. Pods contain developing lima beans inside.
Increase watering slightly during this critical stage; consistent moisture is essential for pod fill. Apply balanced fertilizer if growth slows. Support heavily laden branches if needed.
Harvest-Ready
1-2 weeks (ongoing harvest)Pods reach full size (2.5-3.5 inches) and beans inside are plump and full. Pods are still green; beans inside appear as distinct bumps within the pod.
Pick pods regularly to encourage continued production. Harvest in the early morning when pods are firm. Handle gently to avoid damaging the plant.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; hand-picking adults and eggs; spinosad spray if severe; crop rotation
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Hand-pick beetles and yellow egg clusters; neem oil or spinosad spray; encourage natural predators; remove affected foliage
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Increase humidity with regular misting; strong water spray to dislodge; neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure adequate watering
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; sulfur powder or baking soda spray; remove affected leaves; resistant varieties
Uses
Fresh & Cooked Eating
CulinaryBaby lima beans have a delicate, creamy texture and mild, slightly buttery flavor. They are excellent steamed, boiled, sautéed, or added to soups and stews. Fresh or frozen Thorogreen beans are a premium ingredient in many cuisines. [source]
Freezing & Preservation
CulinaryThorogreen baby limas freeze exceptionally well, retaining their tender texture and flavor for up to 8-12 months. Simply blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, cool rapidly in ice water, drain, and freeze in airtight containers. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalBaby lima beans are rich in plant-based protein, dietary fiber, folate, and polyphenols with antioxidant properties. They support heart health, blood sugar management, and digestive wellness. [source]
Dried Bean Storage
HouseholdThorogreen limas can be allowed to mature and dry on the plant, then stored as dried beans for use throughout the year in soups, dips, and side dishes. Properly dried and stored beans remain viable for 2-3 years. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeBaby lima bean flowers attract bees and other pollinators, providing a valuable nectar and pollen source during mid to late summer when other flowering plants may be scarce. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest pods when they are full and green, typically 10-12 days after flowering. Pods should feel firm with plump beans visible inside but should still snap when bent. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. Gently twist or cut pods from the stem to avoid damaging the plant. For dried beans, allow pods to dry on the plant and turn brown before harvesting. Baby limas are best eaten fresh or frozen within a day or two of harvest for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Baby lima beans are technically the immature seeds of lima bean plants; the variety Thorogreen was specifically bred to produce abundantly sized beans ideal for freezing and canning.
- 🌱 Lima beans are native to Central and South America and were named after the capital city of Peru, though they were cultivated for centuries before European contact.
- 🌱 The bush-type Thorogreen variety can produce 15-20 pods per plant under optimal conditions, making it one of the most productive baby lima bean varieties for home gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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