Dixie Speckled Butterpea Lima Bean

Dixie Speckled Lima Beans are a kind of Southern heirloom baby lima bean, colored a charming deep red with splashes of maroon. Known for their rich, buttery taste, Dixie Speckled Lima Beans make an irresistible addition to soups, stews, casseroles, and even as a stand-alone side dish. Deliciously sweet, creamy, and tender in cooking - try stewed with ham hocks and andouille sausage! Their high yields provide an abundance of beans that can be enjoyed throughout the growing season, making them a valuable crop for any home gardener. The plant itself is hardy and drought-tolerant, ensuring consistent growth even in less-than-ideal conditions. These butterpeas grow well in hot, dry conditions and yield very well, growing 3-4 beans to a 4-inch green pod. Harvesting the beans is simple, and their long shelf life makes them perfect for storing and enjoying throughout the winter months

Also Known As: Dixie Speckled Butterpeas, Dixie Butter Beans, Speckled Lima Beans, Southern Butterpeas, Baby Speckled Butterpeas, Butterbean, Pinto Lima Beans, Cream Peas, Field Peas, Cowpeas, Sweet Butterpeas.

Plant Name:	Lima Beans, Dixie Speckled Butterpea
Latin Name:	Phaseolus lunatus
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	75
Plant Height:	1 - 2 Feet
Spread:	10 - 20 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	3-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Lima Beans grow best in temperatures between 70F-90F. Direct-sowing is recommended. Plant Lima beans in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 60F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 7-9 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, plant 2-3 seeds per hole, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once plants start forming pods, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Harvest Dixie Speckled Butterpeas when the pods have turned a yellow-brown color and feel dry to the touch, about 80 to 90 days after planting. To ensure the beans are fully matured, check the pods for a dry, papery texture and shake them to see if the beans rattle inside. If frost threatens, you can harvest the pods early and finish drying them indoors. After picking, let the pods dry further in a well-ventilated area before shelling the beans for storage. This ensures they are fully dried and ready for long-term storage.