How to Grow Henderson Bush Lima
Henderson Bush Lima
Phaseolus lunatus
vegetableHenderson Bush Lima is a compact, bushy variety of lima bean that produces small, flavorful beans ideal for fresh eating and canning. Unlike pole limas, this determinate bush variety requires no trellising and matures quickly, making it perfect for gardeners with limited space. The plant is highly productive and reliable, yielding abundant harvests over a concentrated period.
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Example Henderson Bush Lima timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Henderson Bush Lima
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 Henderson Bush Lima
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-10; best in warmer zones 6-9
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Germination
7-14 daysSeeds sprout and cotyledons emerge above soil. True leaves begin forming.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure soil temperature is at least 60°F (preferably 65-70°F for best germination). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple branches and compound leaves. Stem height reaches 12-18 inches.
Provide consistent moisture and moderate nitrogen through balanced fertilizer. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Monitor for early pest damage.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white or pale pink flowers appear at leaf axils in clusters. Flowers are self-fertile and typically bee-pollinated.
Maintain consistent soil moisture; inconsistent watering can cause flower drop. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth at expense of flowers. Do not disturb plants during peak blooming.
Pod Development & Growth
2-3 weeksFlowers fade and small green pods develop, growing to 2-3 inches long. Pods fill with developing beans inside.
Increase watering frequency during pod fill. Provide balanced nutrients with emphasis on phosphorus and potassium. Side-dress with compost if growth appears slow.
Harvest Readiness
2-4 weeks (staggered harvest period)Pods turn light green and beans inside feel full when pressed gently. Plant continues producing new flowers and pods if harvested regularly.
Begin harvesting as soon as pods are full-sized but still tender and bright green. Regular harvesting encourages more pod production. Handle plants gently to avoid damaging stems.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles and eggs daily; use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe; encourage beneficial beetles and birds
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Hand-pick adults and yellow egg clusters; use row covers; spray with spinosad or neem oil; plant trap crops of early-maturing beans nearby
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with water regularly; use miticides or sulfur dust in severe cases; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Store dried beans in cool, dry conditions; use diatomaceous earth in storage; keep temperatures below 60°F after harvest
Uses
Fresh and Cooked Beans
CulinaryHenderson lima beans are prized for their tender, delicate flavor when eaten fresh or lightly cooked. They are excellent boiled, steamed, sautéed with butter and herbs, or added to soups and stews. [source]
Canning and Preservation
CulinaryThese beans are ideal for home canning due to their uniform size and quick maturity. They can be blanched and frozen, pressure-canned, or preserved in vinegar for pickled beans. [source]
Dried Beans for Storage
CulinaryAllow pods to fully mature and dry on the plant, then shell and store dried beans in cool, dry conditions for year-round use. Dried Henderson limas cook relatively quickly compared to larger lima varieties. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation and Soil Improvement
HouseholdAs a legume, Henderson lima fixes atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria in root nodules, enriching soil naturally and reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizer. Till plants back into soil after harvest to improve soil fertility. [source]
Beneficial Insect Attraction
WildlifeLima bean flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects that pollinate crops and control pests. The plant provides nectar and pollen during mid-to-late summer when other flowering plants may be declining. [source]
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when pods are 2-3 inches long and beans feel full inside, typically 60-75 days after planting. Pick pods when they are bright green and tender; harvesting regularly encourages continuous production. For fresh eating, harvest every 2-3 days. For dried beans, allow pods to mature fully on the plant until brown and papery, then shell and dry indoors. Bush lima produces heavily over 3-4 weeks rather than continuously like pole varieties.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Henderson Bush Lima was developed as an improvement over the original Sieva lima bean, creating a more compact, earlier-maturing variety that doesn't require staking or trellising, making it accessible to home gardeners with limited space.
- 🌱 Lima beans contain linamarin, a compound that breaks down into cyanide when raw, but cooking thoroughly eliminates this compound entirely, making them completely safe to eat when properly prepared.
- 🌱 Bush lima beans produce their entire yield over a concentrated 3-4 week period, making them ideal for canning operations, whereas pole limas produce continuously throughout the season—a key difference that gardeners should consider based on their preservation goals.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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