Henderson Bush Lima
Phaseolus lunatus 'Henderson Bush'
A compact, early-maturing lima bean perfect for northern gardens and small spaces, producing abundant crops of small, buttery lima beans in just 65 days. This reliable heirloom has been a garden favorite since the 1880s, valued for its dependable production and rich, creamy flavor. Unlike larger lima varieties, Henderson Bush thrives in cooler conditions and doesn't require the long, hot growing season that limits other lima beans.
Harvest
65-75d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Difficulty
Moderate
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Henderson Bush Lima in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 bean →Zone Map
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Henderson Bush Lima · Zones 3–9
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 | August – October |
| Zone 6 | — | — | May – June | August – September |
| Zone 7 | — | — | April – June | July – September |
| Zone 8 | — | — | April – May | July – August |
| Zone 9 | — | — | March – April | June – July |
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | May – July |
Complete Growing Guide
Start your Henderson Bush Lima journey by selecting a sunny spot with well-draining soil. These compact beans thrive in sandy loam enriched with compost or aged manure worked in 2-3 weeks before planting. Test your soil pH — Henderson Bush Limas prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions (6.0-7.0).
Timing is crucial for success. Wait until soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F, typically 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. In zones 3-5, this usually means late May to early June. Cold, wet soil will cause seeds to rot before germinating. Test soil temperature 2 inches deep in the morning — if it's warm to the touch, you're ready to plant.
Direct sow seeds 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart. Unlike pole varieties, Henderson Bush Limas need no support structure, making them perfect for container growing. Use pots at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes. Plant 3-4 seeds per 12-inch container.
Fertilizing requires a light touch. These nitrogen-fixing legumes need minimal feeding — too much nitrogen produces lush foliage but fewer pods. Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting, then side-dress with compost when flowers appear. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers throughout the growing season.
Water consistently but never allow soggy conditions. Henderson Bush Limas are surprisingly drought-tolerant once established, but consistent moisture during flowering and pod development increases yields dramatically. Water at soil level to prevent leaf diseases, applying 1 inch per week through drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
Common mistakes include planting too early in cold soil, overwatering, and overcrowding. Space plants properly for good air circulation — this variety's dense foliage can harbor moisture and invite fungal problems. In humid climates, consider wider spacing (8 inches between plants).
Maximize yields by harvesting regularly and mulching around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. These determinate plants produce most pods within a 3-week window, so succession plant every 2 weeks until 10 weeks before first expected fall frost for continuous harvests through summer.
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 Henderson Bush Lima beans keep best shelled and stored in perforated bags in the refrigerator, maintaining quality for 3-5 days. For optimal flavor, use within 48 hours of harvest — the sugars convert to starch quickly after picking.
For freezing, blanch shelled beans in boiling water for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly and freeze in airtight containers for up to 10 months. Henderson Bush Limas freeze exceptionally well, retaining their creamy texture better than larger lima varieties.
To dry beans for winter storage, allow pods to mature on plants until papery brown. Shell beans and spread on screens in a warm, dry location with good air circulation. Properly dried beans (10-14% moisture) store in airtight containers for 2-3 years. These small limas are perfect for soups and stews, requiring shorter cooking times than large lima varieties.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropics
Considerations
- -Toxic (Roots, Seeds): High severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Marigold
Repels Mexican bean beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Basil
Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack lima beans
Summer Savory
Deters Mexican bean beetles and may improve bean flavor and growth
Corn
Provides natural support structure and benefits from nitrogen fixation by beans
Carrots
Helps break up soil for bean roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
Radishes
Breaks up compacted soil and deters cucumber beetles that may affect beans
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while attracting predatory insects
Rosemary
Repels Mexican bean beetles and other bean pests with strong aromatic oils
Keep Apart
Onions
May inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through allelopathic compounds
Sunflowers
Competes heavily for nutrients and water, may shade out bush lima beans
Fennel
Produces allelopathic chemicals that inhibit growth of legumes including lima beans
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346400)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Some tolerance to downy mildew, generally hardy variety
Common Pests
Mexican bean beetle, lima bean pod borer, stink bugs
Diseases
Bacterial blight, downy mildew, root rot