Growing Lima Beans in Zone 7B

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

Zone 7B 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 7B

USDA Hardiness Zone 7B has an average last spring frost around Mar 28 and first fall frost around Nov 3. 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.