Fordhook 242 Lima Bush
Phaseolus lunatus 'Fordhook 242'
An improved version of the classic Fordhook Lima, this heat-tolerant variety produces large, plump seeds with the creamy texture and buttery flavor lima bean lovers crave. Developed for better performance in warm climates, it's more reliable than older lima varieties while maintaining that distinctive rich taste. This bush variety eliminates the need for staking while delivering impressive yields of premium-quality beans.
Harvest
75-85d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–11
USDA hardiness
Difficulty
Moderate
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Fordhook 242 Lima Bush in USDA Zone 7
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Fordhook 242 Lima Bush · Zones 4–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | May – June | September – October |
| Zone 6 | — | — | May – June | August – October |
| Zone 7 | — | — | April – June | August – September |
| Zone 8 | — | — | April – May | July – September |
| Zone 9 | — | — | March – April | June – August |
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | June – July |
Complete Growing Guide
Start your Fordhook 242 Lima Bush journey by preparing a sunny site with loose, well-draining soil enriched with 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure. These heat-loving beans demand soil temperatures of at least 65°F—use a soil thermometer rather than guessing, as cold soil leads to poor germination and potential seed rot.
For direct sowing, plant seeds 1.5-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows spaced 24-30 inches wide. In zones 7-9, direct sow 2-3 weeks after your last frost date when nights consistently stay above 50°F. Northern gardeners in zones 3-6 should start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting to extend the growing season, using biodegradable pots since lima beans hate root disturbance.
Amend your soil with a balanced organic fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting, then side-dress with compost when plants reach 6 inches tall. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote excessive foliage at the expense of bean production. Lima beans fix their own nitrogen once established, so resist the urge to over-fertilize.
Maintain consistent moisture—about 1 inch per week—but ensure excellent drainage. Inconsistent watering causes flower and pod drop, a common complaint with lima beans. Mulch heavily with straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch 2 inches away from stems to prevent fungal issues.
Avoid the mistake of planting too early or in heavy clay soil. Lima beans are more finicky than snap beans and won't tolerate cool, wet conditions. In humid climates, provide adequate air circulation by not overcrowding plants. The bush habit means no staking required, but support may help in windy areas.
Maximize yields by harvesting regularly once pods begin forming. Each plant can produce for 4-6 weeks when consistently picked. In hot climates above 85°F, provide afternoon shade with row covers to prevent flower drop during heat waves.
Harvesting
Edibility: EDIBLE PARTS: Toxicity is only partially destroyed by cooking; therefore do not cook the ornamental, striped beans grown for the flowers and foliage
Storage & Preservation
Fresh lima beans should be shelled and used within 2-3 days for peak flavor and texture. Store unshelled pods in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator at 32-35°F with high humidity. Once shelled, the beans keep 3-4 days refrigerated in airtight containers.
For freezing, blanch shelled beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly and freeze in portions. Frozen lima beans maintain quality for 10-12 months.
To dry beans for long-term storage, leave pods on plants until completely dry and papery. Shell the beans and ensure they're fully dry (should shatter when hit with a hammer). Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place for up to 3 years. Properly dried lima beans are excellent for winter soups, stews, and traditional succotash.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropics
Considerations
- -Toxic (Roots, Seeds): High severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Marigold
Repels Mexican bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, deters bean beetles
Carrots
Loosen soil with deep roots, don't compete for nutrients, beans fix nitrogen for carrots
Radishes
Break up compacted soil, mature quickly before beans need space, deter bean beetles
Lettuce
Provides living mulch, conserves soil moisture, harvested before beans reach full size
Spinach
Cool-season crop that uses different nutrients, provides ground cover early in season
Rosemary
Repels bean beetles, carrot flies, and cabbage moths with strong aromatic oils
Summer Savory
Repels bean beetles and aphids, traditionally grown with beans to improve flavor
Keep Apart
Onions
May inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through allelopathic compounds
Sunflowers
Compete heavily for nutrients and water, create too much shade for lima beans
Fennel
Inhibits growth of most garden plants including beans through allelopathic effects
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346400)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Improved heat tolerance and disease resistance over older varieties
Common Pests
Mexican bean beetle, lima bean pod borer, aphids
Diseases
Downy mildew, bacterial blight, pod rot