How to Grow Henderson Bush Lima
Phaseolus lunatus 'Henderson Bush'
Henderson Bush Lima is an heirloom warm-season bean favored for its tender pods and bushy growth habit. Gardeners prize this variety for reliable production in summer gardens where heat supports vigorous vine development without needing tall trellises.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Henderson Bush Lima: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Henderson Bush Lima is not usually started indoors.
Direct sow seeds outdoors immediately after the last frost date once soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently for germination.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to encourage strong root systems. As a warm-season crop, sow seeds directly outdoors only after the last spring frost when the ground is fully warmed. Push seeds into the earth about one inch deep; they typically sprout within seven to fourteen days under favorable conditions.
Space plants six to eight inches apart in rows to allow adequate airflow and nutrient access. While this bush variety does not require tall supports, occasional staking can help keep pods clean if vines sprawl. Provide one to one-and-a-half inches of water weekly, ensuring the soil stays moist but avoiding saturation that invites root rot.
Watch for Mexican bean beetles, lima bean pod borers, and stink bugs; use row covers early or hand-pick pests regularly. Prevent bacterial blight and downy mildew by practicing crop rotation and ensuring good air circulation around the foliage. Harvest tender pods sixty-five to seventy-five days after sowing when they are young and succulent.
When to Plant Henderson Bush Lima
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | July – August | October – August |
| Zone 2 | — | June – August | September |
| Zone 3 | — | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 4 | — | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 5 | — | May – June | August – October |
| Zone 6 | — | May – June | August – September |
| Zone 7 | — | April – June | July – September |
| Zone 8 | — | April – May | July – August |
| Zone 9 | — | March – April | June – July |
| Zone 10 | — | February – April | May – July |
| Zone 11 | — | January – March | April – June |
| Zone 12 | — | January – March | April – June |
| Zone 13 | — | January – March | April – June |
Companion Plants for Henderson Bush Lima
✓ Good companions
Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack lima beans
Helps break up soil for bean roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
Provides natural support structure and benefits from nitrogen fixation by beans
Repels Mexican bean beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while attracting predatory insects
Breaks up compacted soil and deters cucumber beetles that may affect beans
Repels Mexican bean beetles and other bean pests with strong aromatic oils
Deters Mexican bean beetles and may improve bean flavor and growth
✗ Keep away from
Produces allelopathic chemicals that inhibit growth of legumes including lima beans
May inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through allelopathic compounds
Competes heavily for nutrients and water, may shade out bush lima beans
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
