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How to Grow Butter Bean King of the Garden

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Butter Bean King of the Garden

Phaseolus lunatus

vegetable

King of the Garden is a classic pole lima bean variety prized for its large, buttery seeds and vigorous vining growth. This heirloom cultivar produces abundant pods over a long season and is ideal for trellising or pole support. The beans are creamy-textured when cooked and have been a garden staple since the 1800s.

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Example Butter Bean King of the Garden timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Butter Bean King of the Garden

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Butter Bean King of the Garden

    Around Jun 26

    ≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Butter Bean King of the Garden dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum
💧
Water: Consistent moisture, approximately 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and pod development. Reduce watering slightly once plants are established.
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Spacing: 6 inches
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Days to maturity: 70-90 days
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Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, moderately fertile
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Aged manure Phosphorus-rich fertilizer at planting Avoid excessive nitrogen

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9; can grow in zones 4-10 with proper timing

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Sprouted cotyledons emerge in 7-14 days. First true leaves appear within 2-3 weeks. Plants are delicate and vulnerable to cold and pests.

Ensure soil temperature is 60°F or warmer before planting. Thin seedlings if directly sown. Provide protection from slugs and beetles. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Vines grow rapidly, developing multiple compound leaves and climbing up supports. Plant establishes strong root system and lateral stems branch profusely.

Install sturdy poles (6-8 feet tall) or trellising immediately after germination. Guide vines toward support structure. Begin light watering schedule. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive leafy growth.

3

Flowering

2-3 weeks

Small, delicate white, pink, or purple flowers appear in clusters along the vine stems. Flowers are self-fertile and attract pollinators.

Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging to prevent flower drop. Ensure adequate potassium and phosphorus. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen. Provide good air circulation around plants.

4

Pod Development & Fruiting

3-4 weeks

Pods form following flower pollination, growing to 3-4 inches long. Pods transition from green to tan/brown as they mature. Each pod contains 3-5 large, flat seeds.

Continue consistent watering, especially during pod fill. Side-dress with potassium-rich fertilizer if needed. Monitor for pests and diseases. Support heavily loaded vines to prevent breakage.

5

Harvest & Seed Maturity

2-3 weeks (continues until frost)

Pods dry on the vine, becoming papery and brittle. Seeds inside reach full size and harden. Plant continues producing new flowers and pods until frost.

Harvest shell beans when pods are dry and brown but before hard frost. Leave mature pods on vine to maximize seed development. Allow plants to dry completely before shelling. Store dried beans in cool, dry location.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Corn Squash Cucumber Pumpkin Nasturtium Marigold Carrot Radish

Avoid planting near:

Onions Garlic Kohlrabi Fennel Other pole beans (cross-pollination risk)

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick adult beetles and yellow egg clusters; use row covers on young plants; apply spinosad or neem oil if infestation is severe

  • Spray with strong water stream; increase humidity; apply neem oil; ensure adequate watering to reduce stress

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects

  • Store dried beans in airtight containers; freeze beans for 3-4 days after harvest to kill eggs; inspect stored beans regularly

  • Spray with water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings

Uses

🍳

Butter Beans & Southern Cooking

Culinary

King of the Garden butter beans are prized in Southern cuisine for their creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. They can be eaten fresh as green shell beans or dried for later use in soups, stews, and casseroles. [source]

🍳

High Protein Legume

Culinary

Dried butter beans are an excellent plant-based protein source containing approximately 8 grams of protein per cooked cup, plus fiber and essential minerals. They are a staple for vegetarian and vegan diets. [source]

🏠

Seed Saving & Heritage Gardening

Household

King of the Garden is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, allowing home gardeners to save seeds for replanting. Properly dried and stored seeds remain viable for 3-4 years, supporting sustainable gardening practices. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The delicate flowers of butter beans attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity and pollinator populations. [source]

💊

Nutritional & Phytonutrient Content

Medicinal

Lima beans contain polyphenols and other phytonutrients with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall health and disease prevention. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For fresh butter beans, harvest pods when full-sized but still green and tender, typically 70-80 days after planting. For dried shell beans, wait until pods are completely dry and brown, usually 85-90 days. Shell fresh pods immediately or store in refrigerator up to one week. For storage, allow pods to dry thoroughly on the vine, then shell and store dried beans in cool (50-60°F), dry location in airtight containers for up to one year. Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering and pod production.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 King of the Garden is an heirloom variety dating back to the 1880s and remains one of the most popular pole lima bean varieties in home gardens.
  • 🌱 Lima beans are named after Lima, Peru, where they are believed to have originated thousands of years ago and were cultivated by indigenous peoples.
  • 🌱 A single healthy King of the Garden plant can produce 150-200+ pods over the growing season, making it exceptionally prolific and economical for gardeners.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Germination Heirloom pH Pollination Trellis True Leaves
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