Lima beans
Phaseolus lunatus
Also known asButter beans · Madagascar beans · Sieva beans · Pallar
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 4–12 (winter low around -34°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| vegetative | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1.6 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.2 |
Companion-growing notes
- High transpiration. Regular reservoir top-ups needed during fruiting.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A warm-season legume for media bed or container hydroponic systems. EC 1.5-2.5 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.0. Temperature: 20–30°C (more heat-demanding than common beans; doesn't germinate below 18°C). High light (DLI 16-22 mol/m2/day). Bush types are more practical for contained growing spaces. From seed to fresh lima harvest: 65-80 days (bush types). Harvest for fresh eating when pods are plump and bright green but seeds haven't yet hardened. For dried limas: leave pods on the plant until fully brown and dry (100-120 days). Each plant produces moderate yields (150–300 g fresh pods). As a legume, nitrogen fixation may be limited in sterile hydroponic media without Rhizobium inoculant. Lima beans drop their blossoms in temperatures above 32°C or during drought stress, which is the most common production issue. Consistent moisture and moderate temperatures during flowering are critical for pod set.