Pole Lima Speckled Christmas
Phaseolus lunatus 'Speckled Christmas'
A stunning heirloom lima bean that lives up to its festive name with cream-colored beans decorated in burgundy speckles that resemble holiday ornaments. This vigorous pole variety climbs 8-10 feet and produces abundant large, flat pods filled with buttery, flavorful lima beans. The combination of exceptional taste, beautiful appearance, and reliable production makes this a standout variety for gardeners seeking something special.
Harvest
90-95d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–10
USDA hardiness
Difficulty
Moderate
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Pole Lima Speckled Christmas in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 bean →Zone Map
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Pole Lima Speckled Christmas · Zones 4–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | June – July | October – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | May – June | September – October |
| Zone 6 | — | — | May – June | September – October |
| Zone 7 | — | — | April – June | August – October |
| Zone 8 | — | — | April – May | August – September |
| Zone 9 | — | — | March – April | July – August |
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | June – August |
Complete Growing Guide
Start by selecting a sunny location with well-draining soil and installing your support structure before planting. Pole Lima Speckled Christmas requires an 8-10 foot trellis, sturdy fence, or pole system since these vigorous climbers will quickly outgrow shorter supports.
Prepare your soil by working in 2-3 inches of compost or well-aged manure to a depth of 8 inches. Lima beans prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) and benefit from phosphorus-rich amendments like bone meal. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote excessive foliage at the expense of pod production.
Direct sow seeds 2-3 weeks after your last frost date when soil temperature reaches 65°F consistently. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart along your support structure. In zones 8-10, you can succession plant every 3 weeks through mid-summer for extended harvests. Northern gardeners in zones 4-6 should start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost, using biodegradable pots since lima beans dislike root disturbance.
Once seedlings reach 6 inches tall, gently guide the first tendrils to your support structure. These beans climb counterclockwise, so train them accordingly. Side-dress with compost when plants begin flowering, typically 6-8 weeks after planting. Water deeply but infrequently, providing 1 inch weekly at soil level to prevent fungal issues on foliage.
Avoid common mistakes like planting too early in cold soil, which causes poor germination and rot, or overcrowding plants which reduces air circulation. Space plants properly and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In hot climates, afternoon shade can prevent flower drop during peak summer heat.
To maximize yields, harvest pods regularly once they reach full size but before seeds fully mature. This encourages continued production through fall. Pinch growing tips when vines reach the top of supports to redirect energy into pod development.
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 keep best in their pods, stored in perforated bags in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shelled fresh limas should be used within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture.
For long-term storage, blanch shelled fresh beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, cool in ice water, drain thoroughly, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 8 months. The speckled pattern remains vibrant after freezing.
To dry beans completely, allow pods to cure on the vine until they rattle, then shell and spread beans on screens in a warm, dry location for 1-2 weeks. Properly dried beans with 10-15% moisture content store in sealed jars for 2-3 years in a cool, dark pantry.
For pressure canning, follow USDA guidelines for lima beans, processing pints for 40 minutes at 10 pounds pressure. The beautiful speckled appearance makes these beans particularly attractive in canned preparations and gift jars.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropics
Considerations
- -Toxic (Roots, Seeds): High severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Corn
Provides natural support structure for climbing lima beans
Squash
Creates Three Sisters guild, squash leaves shade soil and retain moisture
Marigolds
Repel Mexican bean beetles and other harmful insects
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
Carrots
Beans fix nitrogen that carrots utilize, carrots don't compete for space
Radishes
Break up soil for bean roots and mature before beans need full space
Basil
Repels thrips and aphids while potentially improving bean flavor
Summer Savory
Deters Mexican bean beetles and may enhance bean growth
Keep Apart
Onions
Inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions
Sunflowers
Compete heavily for nutrients and may release allelopathic compounds
Fennel
Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit bean germination and growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346400)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good natural resistance to common lima bean diseases
Common Pests
Lima bean pod borer, Mexican bean beetle, aphids
Diseases
Downy mildew, bacterial blight, lima bean mosaic virus