Growing Lima Beans in Zone 7A

Lima beans need warmth and patience, but the buttery, creamy beans you get are far superior to any canned version.

Zone 7A enjoys a long growing season. You can often get two plantings of cool-season crops (spring and fall).

Top Growing Tips

• Need warm soil (65°F+) — cold soil causes rot, not germination
• Both bush (60 days) and pole (75-90 days) types available
• Shell while fresh for sweet, buttery flavor; let dry for dried beans
• Don’t overwater — they prefer slightly drier conditions than snap beans
• Harvest pods when beans are visible and plump inside but still green

Companion Planting

Good companions: corn, cucumbers, summer savory

Avoid planting near: onions, garlic, fennel

Harvest Timeline

60-90 days; harvest when pods are plump but still green

About Zone 7A

USDA Hardiness Zone 7A has an average last spring frost around Apr 5 and first fall frost around Oct 28. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.