How to Grow Calico Lima Bean
Calico Lima Bean
Phaseolus lunatus
vegetableCalico lima beans are a distinctive variety of lima bean featuring striking burgundy and cream-colored speckled pods and beans. These warm-season legumes produce climbing vines that can reach 6-8 feet tall and are known for their nutty, rich flavor when cooked. They are a heritage variety prized for both ornamental appeal and culinary use.
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Example Calico Lima Bean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Calico Lima Bean
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 Calico Lima Bean
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Calico Lima Bean dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-10; can be grown as an annual in zones 7-8 with extended warm season
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Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge within 7-10 days; first true leaves appear shortly after. Plants are tender and vulnerable to cool temperatures.
Maintain warm soil temperature (70-80°F minimum). Water gently to avoid disturbing seedlings. Provide protection from wind and cool nights.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVigorous climbing vine develops with multiple stems, compound leaves, and tendrils. Plant reaches 3-4 feet tall during this phase.
Install sturdy trellises or support structures early. Provide balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Maintain consistent moisture. Remove any weak or damaged growth.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall, delicate white to pale yellow flowers appear in clusters along the vine. Flowers are self-pollinating but benefit from bee activity.
Continue consistent watering and light fertilizing. Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Pod Development & Fruiting
3-4 weeksSpeckled calico pods form and elongate to 3-4 inches. Pods gradually fill with beans, developing the characteristic burgundy and cream coloration.
Maintain steady moisture, especially during pod fill. Reduce nitrogen feeding to encourage pod development. Monitor for pests and diseases. Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Harvest
Ongoing, 2-3 weeks of productionPods mature to full size with pronounced speckled pattern. Beans inside become firm and fully colored. Pods dry slightly and may show cracks.
Harvest pods when full but still tender for fresh use, or allow to mature fully on the vine for dry beans. Check plants every 2-3 days during peak production.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles and egg clusters daily. Use row covers on young plants. Apply neem oil or spinosad if infestations are severe. Rotate crops yearly.
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Spray with strong water spray to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
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Mist foliage regularly to maintain humidity. Spray with miticide or sulfur dust. Encourage natural predators. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Ensure good air circulation. Apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray (1 tbsp per gallon water). Remove infected foliage. Avoid overhead watering.
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Remove infected leaves promptly. Apply copper fungicide preventatively. Improve air circulation. Water at soil level only. Destroy infected plant material.
Uses
Fresh and Dried Cooking
CulinaryCalico lima beans offer a rich, nutty flavor when cooked fresh or dried. The distinctive appearance makes them visually striking in soups, stews, succotash, and bean salads. [source]
Nutritional Legume Protein
CulinaryLima beans are excellent plant-based protein sources, providing amino acids, fiber, and micronutrients essential for vegetarian and vegan diets. [source]
Blood Sugar and Heart Health
MedicinalThe soluble fiber and complex carbohydrates in lima beans support stable blood glucose levels and cardiovascular health through cholesterol management. [source]
Ornamental Heirloom Crop
HouseholdThe striking burgundy and cream speckled pods and climbing vines provide visual interest in gardens, making them excellent for decorative edible landscaping. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting beneficial insect populations in the garden while improving overall crop yields. [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 snap beans, harvest pods when full but still tender and before beans fully mature, typically 70-75 days after planting. For dry beans suitable for storage, allow pods to remain on the vine until they brown and dry completely (85-90 days), then harvest entire pods. Shell dried beans and store in cool, dry conditions. Regular harvesting of tender pods encourages continued production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Calico lima beans are a heritage variety that was traditionally grown by Native Americans and early settlers in the Americas, prized for both nutrition and storage capability.
- 🌱 The distinctive speckled coloration of calico lima beans is genetically determined and remains stable across generations, making this variety easily identifiable.
- 🌱 Lima beans can fix nitrogen in the soil through their relationship with rhizobial bacteria in their root nodules, naturally enriching garden beds for subsequent plantings.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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