The first French explorers in Canada took beans home with them for cultivation in France and consequently beans in England were originally known as ‘French beans’. There are two types of lima beans, baby limas and the Fordhook-type limas.
Lima beans are a warm-season crop and should not be planted until the soil and the air have warmed sufficiently.
Lima beans require hotter weather, full sun and are planted at the onset of summer weather. Lima beans are planted as seed. Planting lima beans seeds with the eye down is often advised, but is not necessary of the soil is in proper condition. A period of 70-90 days is required between planting and harvest.
The ordinary application of fertilizer at planting time is usually enough. Lima beans should not be treated with a high nitrogen fertilizer and should not be sidedressed in late season.
Lima beans are shelled out much like peas, with the pod opening easily if they are mature.
Lima beans
