Christmas Lima Bean Seeds

The Pole Lima Beans are vigorous plants, often growing to 10 feet or more and have larger seeds than the bush types. As a consequence they are more productive.

Are Christmas lima beans the same as speckled butter beans?

Christmas Limas are so named due to their festive color, a maroon batik pattern over a creamy background, and a creamy chestnut flavor. Referred to as a speckled Lima or Butter bean, they are also called a Calico bean.

What are Christmas lima beans?

Christmas lima beans are an heirloom bean, popular back in the late 1800s and brought back by modern farmers. They're big beans, brown with white speckles, and a a nutty flavor reminiscent of chestnuts. They are also called chestnut beans…and that's where the Christmas name comes from.

How do you grow Christmas lima beans?

1. Beans Sowing Instructions. Planting Depth: 1"
2. Row Spacing: 18"-36"
3. Seed Spacing: 3"-4"
4. Days to Germination: 6-10 days.
5. Germination Temperature: 60°-80°F. Beans love sun and well-draining, fertile soil. Plant Beans when the soil has warmed to 60°F and all danger of frost has passed.

Do Christmas lima beans need a trellis?

Some lima beans have a climbing habit and will require trellising. Others, however, are bush beans that do not need much support. Know the growing habit of your bean before planting it in your garden.

Why are they called Christmas lima beans?

It is quarter-sized, flat, and white, with a swirling maroon color pattern that remains after cooking. The bean's chestnut flavor, combined with its festive coloring, led to the name Christmas lima.

Can you eat Christmas lima beans raw?

Why Is It Dangerous to Eat Raw Lima Beans? Raw lima beans contain a compound called linamarin, which turns into cyanide when consumed. Though you're likely not sitting around eating raw lima beans, it's important to keep them away from children and to make sure that, when you are cooking them, you're doing it properly.

Which is better butter beans or lima beans?

Well, rest assured; the two are actually one in the same. There's no difference between lima beans and butter beans, though sometimes they're sold at different stages of maturity.

Why are some lima beans green and some white?

“They are the same. But there's different varieties! Calling them butter beans is the Southern name. The younger the bean, the greener it is.”

What do Christmas lima beans taste like?

The Christmas Lima has a full-bodied, nutty, chestnut taste and the texture of baked potatoes.

How do you use Christmas beans?

They benefit from an overnight soak and are best simmered with aromatics such as garlic, onions and carrot for added flavor. The best way to eat Christmas lima beans is to allow the cooked beans to sit overnight in a zesty vinaigrette. You can enjoy the beans as a salad or pair them with grains, vegetables or meats.

Are lima beans healthy?

Lima beans are a type of legume with a mild, creamy flavor that works well in a variety of dishes. They contain several important nutrients and may help increase weight loss, stabilize blood sugar levels, and promote heart health.

How many lima beans will one plant produce?

The bushy plants grow 16 to 20 inches tall and are early and productive. Expect a heavy crop of 3 1/2 to 4 inch long pods with 3 to 4 beans per pod. Fordhook 242 is heat-resistant and sets pods even in high temperatures.

What is the best month to plant lima beans?

SEEDING. Lima beans are planted in the lower Columbia Basin from about mid May to mid June after soil temperatures exceed 65 to 70 F. Ideal germination is at soil temperatures of 75 to 85 F. Soil temperatures below 60 F result in poor stands and poor early growth.

Should I soak lima bean seeds before planting?

Soak the lima bean seeds overnight or for about 12 hours. Use one bean seed to dissect. Use the toothpick to gently remove the seed coat from around the bean.

What can you not plant next to lima beans?

For companion planting, the bush lima bean can be planted with celery, cucumbers, Maize, summer savory, and potatoes. Pole lima beans can be planted with scarlet runner beans, corn, sunflowers and summer savory. Avoid planting the beans with beets, Kohlrabi, and onions.

Do lima beans like sun or shade?

Lima Bean Care Must-Knows Lima beans grow best in full sun and moist, loose, well-drained soil. Like most vegetables, lima beans require at least 8 hours of bright sunlight a day.

What makes lima beans grow faster?

Moisture. Water is necessary for germination to take place. Lima bean seeds planted in well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist will have the best chances of germinating and growing into a strong, mature plant. In wetter areas or when soils are high in water-retaining organic matter, less water is needed.

What's the difference between pole beans and lima beans?

Bush lima beans are generally easier to handle than pole varieties. Bushes grow only 1 or 2 feet tall, and they mature earlier. Pole beans require a trellis for support. They grow more slowly but produce more beans per plant.

What is the difference between navy beans and lima beans?

Navy beans, great northern beans, and cannellini beans are grown from the Phaseolus vulgaris plant, while lima beans are grown on the Phaseolus lunatus plant.