Lima Bean
Phaseolus lunatus
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Pl. BEA5 — Phaseolus lunatus
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IOverview
Overview
Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is a vine and forb/herb native to South Mexico and Central America, with a widespread presence in countries like Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Known for its edible seeds and pods, this plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows up to 61 cm tall. Lima Beans are propagated through direct sowing of seeds or transplanting, with a recommended spacing of 15-25 cm between plants. The leaves, pods, and seeds can all be harvested for use. One distinctive feature is its light green seed coat, which often has a crescent-shaped mark resembling the moon (hence "lunatus"), making it easily recognizable in gardens and fields.
Quick answers
What is Lima Bean?
Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is a vine and forb/herb native to South Mexico and Central America, with a widespread presence in countries like Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lima Beans (Phaseolus lunatus) thrive in full sun and require moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). They are hardy in temperate regions with a USDA Hardiness Zone of 10-12. Lima Beans grow as vines and can reach heights of 61 cm. For propagation, direct sow seeds or transplant them after the last frost. Space plants 15-25 cm apart to ensure adequate growth. Harvest leaves, seeds, and seedpods for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
61cm m tall
- Propagation
- Seed - direct sow, Seed - transplant
- Germination
- 7-18 days
- Days to harvest
- 65-90
- Spacing
- 15-25cm
- Seed viability
- 3-5 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Lima Bean for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Lima Beans for a rewarding beginner gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct planting area, garden tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures are at least 10°C.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 2-3 cm deep, spaced 15-25cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide support for the vines to climb.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with compost tea.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead leaves or branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too early in cold soil, not providing support for vines.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedSeedpod
Edible uses: The Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is commonly eaten for its seeds and seedpods. The seeds can be cooked in various ways—boiled or baked—and are often served as a side dish. The tender young pods are also edible when harvested before the beans fully mature, providing a crisp texture when eaten raw or lightly steamed. Leaves can be used fresh in salads or cooked like spinach.
Other uses:Animal feedNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
17 native · 13 introduced
Distribution
17 native · 13 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 17 native· 13 introduced
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)NepalPakistanThailand
Americas8 regions
native (7)BelizeColombiaCosta RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaragua
introduced (1)Peru
Africa4 regions
introduced (4)NigeriaRwandaTanzaniaTogo
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)New Caledonia
Broader regions
native:Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, South Mexico, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Gulf, Central America, Panamá, Mexico Southwest, Mexican Pacific Is.
introduced:Réunion, Rodrigues, Queensland, Marshall Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
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