Phaseolus lunatus
TAXONOMY
FamilyFabaceae
GenusPhaseolus
Zone10
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Phaseolus lunatus, commonly known as the lima bean or butter bean, is a legume in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Central and South America and thrives in seasonally dry tropical climates. The plant can be an annual or perennial and has a scrambling growth habit. It is known for its edible seeds, which are a staple in many cuisines.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Dolichos Tonkinensis
Lima Bean
Phaseolus amazonicus
Phaseolus bipunctatus
Phaseolus derasus
Phaseolus falcatus
Phaseolus foecundus
Phaseolus ilocanus
Phaseolus inamoenus
Phaseolus latisiliquus
Phaseolus limensis
Phaseolus lunatus var. lunatus
Phaseolus lunatus var. macrocarpus
Phaseolus lunatus var. silvester
Phaseolus macrocarpus
Phaseolus maximus
Phaseolus portoricensis
Phaseolus puberulus
Phaseolus rufus
Phaseolus saccharatus
Phaseolus tenuiflorus
Phaseolus tunkinensis
Phaseolus xuaresii
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD1,125
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Lima beans require bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. They thrive in warm temperatures and moderate humidity. Regular watering is necessary, but the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings. The plant prefers a seasonally dry tropical climate and can be grown outdoors in suitable hardiness zones.Harvest
Phaseolus lunatus, commonly known as lima bean, should be harvested when the pods are plump and the seeds inside have fully developed but are still tender. This typically occurs about 75 days after planting. To harvest, gently pull the pods from the plant, being careful not to damage the vines. For dry beans, allow the pods to mature and dry on the plant before harvesting. Ensure the beans are fully dry before storage to prevent mold and spoilage.Soil
Lima beans prefer well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The soil should be kept moderately moist but not waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10 is recommended for lima beans. Fertilize the plants at the beginning of the growing season and again when they start to flower. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of pod production.Repotting
If growing lima beans in containers, repotting may be necessary if the plant outgrows its pot. Choose a larger container with good drainage and fresh potting mix. Repotting is best done in the early growing season to minimize stress on the plant.Propagation
Lima beans are typically propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds directly in the garden or in containers after the last frost date. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 4-6 inches apart. Germination usually occurs within 7-10 days.Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for lima beans to encourage bushier growth and improve air circulation. Remove any dead or diseased leaves and trim back excessive growth to maintain the plant's shape. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed.Toxicity
Lima beans are not toxic to pets or humans when properly cooked. However, raw lima beans contain linamarin, a compound that can release cyanide when consumed. It is essential to cook the beans thoroughly to eliminate any potential toxicity.Additional
Lima beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This makes them a valuable addition to crop rotation systems. Additionally, providing support such as trellises can help manage the plant's scrambling growth habit.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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