Christmas Lima Bean (Pole)

Christmas Lima Pole Bean or "Red Speckled Lima Bean" is a large, heirloom variety known for its beautiful red marbled appearance! Growing on 10-12-foot vines, these beans prefer trellising, to yield huge, flat, oval-shaped beans that can be as large as a quarter - measuring about 1-1.5 inches long! Their striking color pattern, which resembles a calico or speckled chestnut brown and cream dates back to at least the 1840s and has been a cherished heirloom variety for generations. The Christmas Lima Bean has a unique, chestnut-like flavor, which sets it apart from other bean varieties and makes it a favorite in gourmet cooking. These beans can be dried and stored for long periods, making them a practical and sustainable food source. Enjoy the rich, chestnut-like flavor of Christmas Lima Beans in your favorite soups, stews, casseroles, and salads. Heat-tolerant, productive variety.

Also Known As: Pole Lima Bean, Climbing Bean, Chestnut Lima Bean, Chestnut Bean, Red Speckled Lima Bean, Purple Speckled Lima, Calico Lima Bean, Giant Speckled Lima Bean, Cranberry Lima Bean, Marbled Lima Bean, Holiday Lima Bean.

Plant Name:	Lima Bean, Christmas (Pole)
Latin Name:	Phaseolus lunatus
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	90
Plant Height:	8 - 10 Feet
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Growth Habit:	Pole
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 3 feet 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. Plant Pole Lima beans in hills about 3 feet apart in the row, placing a 6-8-foot stake in the center of each hill. Plant  3-4 seeds around the stake about 1 inch deep in the soil. If choosing to thin to the strongest plants, plant 4-5 seeds around stakes, determine the strongest and healthiest plants, then remove all other plants, narrowing to 3-4 plants per stake. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1-2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	3 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	3-4 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:

Christmas Lima Beans are ready to be harvested when the pods have turned yellowish-brown and the beans inside feel firm and full, usually 80 to 90 days after planting. Wait for the pods to dry completely on the vine for the best texture and flavor, which is important for storage beans. If frost is approaching before the pods fully dry, you can harvest the pods early and finish drying them indoors. When picking the pods, use scissors or gently pull them off the vine. Once harvested, allow the beans to fully dry before removing them from the pods for storage.