How to Grow Fordhook Lima Bean
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Fordhook Lima Bean
Phaseolus lunatus
vegetableFordhook is a large-seeded lima bean variety known for its robust, bushy growth habit and prolific production of plump, flavorful beans. This heat-loving legume produces abundant pods filled with meaty, tender beans perfect for fresh eating and freezing. Fordhook thrives in warm seasons and requires full sun and well-draining soil to reach its full potential.
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Example Fordhook Lima Bean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Fordhook 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 Fordhook Lima Bean
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Fordhook Lima Bean dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; prefers warm climates (zones 7-9 optimal)
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Get my Fordhook Lima Bean timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksCotyledons emerge and unfold; true leaves begin to appear within 1-2 weeks
Keep soil consistently moist; thin seedlings to proper spacing; protect from slugs and cutworms
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with compound leaves; no flowers yet; rapid stem and leaf expansion
Water regularly; provide light mulch to retain moisture; ensure adequate sun exposure; pinch back tips if overly tall
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white or pale pink flowers appear in clusters at leaf axils; plants are 12-18 inches tall
Maintain consistent watering; do not over-fertilize (excess nitrogen delays flowering); avoid working around plants when wet
Pod Development
3-4 weeksFlowers fade and pods begin to swell and enlarge; pods are initially green, then mature to firm, thick-walled pods
Increase watering if rainfall is sparse; support plants if needed; monitor for pests; continue light feeding if soil is poor
Harvest
2-3 weeks of continuous harvestingPods reach full size and beans inside are plump and tender; pods remain green when ready for fresh use
Harvest regularly to encourage more production; pick pods slightly immature for best tenderness; handle vines gently to avoid damage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; handpick adults; neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove infested leaves
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Handpick eggs and larvae; yellow sticky traps; spinosad or neem oil; cultivate soil to expose pupae
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Increase humidity and watering; spray with water to dislodge; neem oil; avoid excessive heat stress
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Spray with strong water stream; insecticidal soap; neem oil; attract beneficial insects
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Plant disease-resistant varieties; control aphids; remove infected plants; do not handle plants when wet
Uses
Fresh Cooking & Freezing
CulinaryFordhook lima beans are prized for their large, meaty texture and rich, slightly sweet flavor, making them excellent for succotash, side dishes, soups, and stews. They freeze exceptionally well for year-round use. [source]
Protein & Nutrition
CulinaryLima beans are excellent sources of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, supporting sustained energy and digestive health. They also provide iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. [source]
Dry Storage & Preservation
HouseholdAllow pods to fully mature and dry on the plant, then harvest and shell for dried beans that store for months in cool, dry conditions. Dried Fordhook beans are excellent for winter cooking. [source]
Dietary & Health Benefits
MedicinalLima beans contain compounds that support blood sugar regulation and cholesterol management. They are also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Health
WildlifeAs a legume, Fordhook enriches soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic rhizobia bacteria in root nodules, improving soil fertility for subsequent crops. [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 beans inside are fully developed but pods are still tender and snap easily, typically 70-85 days after planting. Pods should be green and plump; avoid harvesting when foliage is wet to prevent disease spread. Pick regularly every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. For dry beans, allow pods to mature fully on the plant, turn brown, and dry completely before harvesting and shelling.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Fordhook lima beans were developed by the W. Atlee Burpee Company at their famous Fordhook Farm in Pennsylvania, and the variety has remained a gardener favorite since its introduction in the early 1900s.
- 🌱 Lima beans are named after Lima, Peru, where they originated; they were domesticated thousands of years ago by Pre-Columbian civilizations in South America.
- 🌱 Fordhook is a bush variety, unlike Pole lima beans, making it ideal for smaller gardens and requiring no trellising or staking.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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