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| source: MIgardener |
Henderson Bush Lima (Butter) Bean is an heirloom, open-pollinated variety that has been grown in vegetable gardens since the 1880s. This is probably the most popular lima bean variety in existence. This lima/butter bean variety produces buttery-white beans that are delicious when shelled and eaten fresh. They can also be harvested as dry beans for long-term storage. Henderson Bush Lima Bean is widely adapted and grows well in a variety of growing zones. Production is early with prolific harvests throughout the growing season. It has a long harvest window and will continue to produce until the first frost in most regions. These bush bean plants usually grow between 1-2’ tall. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral.
Direct sow bush bean seeds in well-drained soil, in April or May. Beans will germinate best once soil temps have reached 65 F or higher. Optimal germination temperature is around 77 F. This means you should wait roughly two weeks after your last frost to plant. Seeds can require 8 to 16 days to germinate, depending on the soil temperature. The beans can also be started indoors around three to four weeks prior to your projected last frost date in the spring, or about the end of March. Use biodegradable pots that can be planted directly in the ground or a larger container, so you don't have to disturb the seedlings' roots. You also can warm your outdoor soil faster in the spring by putting a black sheet of plastic over it prior to planting seeds.
Henderson Lima Bean grows to maturity in around 65 days, or from about the end of May to the end of June, and if a mild summer, even to the end of July. They don't like extremes and grow best in climates that stay between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for several months. They will drop blooms or cease production if the heat of summer gets too much over 80 degrees F. However, they can handle warmer temperatures better than prolonged cool temperatures, as they aren't frost-hardy. Pay extra attention to watering once the plants are in flower and start setting pods; they will also drop the flowers/pods if they experience drought at this point.
Lima beans are ready for shelling when the pod changes color, the beans inside plump up, but before the pod and seeds dry. If you want to harvest the beans to store as dried beans, leave the pods on the vine until they are dry and brittle, with the beans inside dry and hard. Hold the vine end when pulling off the pods to prevent damaging the vine.
Keep unshelled beans in the refrigerator for up to a week. Or shell and blanch beans to freeze for up to three months. Dried beans can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot for several years. Allow the beans to dry directly on the plant until the seeds are hard and the pods are brittle.
Direct sow bush bean seeds in well-drained soil, in April or May. Beans will germinate best once soil temps have reached 65 F or higher. Optimal germination temperature is around 77 F. This means you should wait roughly two weeks after your last frost to plant. Seeds can require 8 to 16 days to germinate, depending on the soil temperature. The beans can also be started indoors around three to four weeks prior to your projected last frost date in the spring, or about the end of March. Use biodegradable pots that can be planted directly in the ground or a larger container, so you don't have to disturb the seedlings' roots. You also can warm your outdoor soil faster in the spring by putting a black sheet of plastic over it prior to planting seeds.
Henderson Lima Bean grows to maturity in around 65 days, or from about the end of May to the end of June, and if a mild summer, even to the end of July. They don't like extremes and grow best in climates that stay between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for several months. They will drop blooms or cease production if the heat of summer gets too much over 80 degrees F. However, they can handle warmer temperatures better than prolonged cool temperatures, as they aren't frost-hardy. Pay extra attention to watering once the plants are in flower and start setting pods; they will also drop the flowers/pods if they experience drought at this point.
Lima beans are ready for shelling when the pod changes color, the beans inside plump up, but before the pod and seeds dry. If you want to harvest the beans to store as dried beans, leave the pods on the vine until they are dry and brittle, with the beans inside dry and hard. Hold the vine end when pulling off the pods to prevent damaging the vine.
Keep unshelled beans in the refrigerator for up to a week. Or shell and blanch beans to freeze for up to three months. Dried beans can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot for several years. Allow the beans to dry directly on the plant until the seeds are hard and the pods are brittle.
-Phyllis
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