King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean (Heirloom 85 Days)

Heirloom 1883

The King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean is bred as an improvement for both earliness and size. The vigorous climber has 4-6 large, creamy limas per pod. Produces over a long period—until frost. The 1936 James Vicks catalog states, “this standard pole bean is as popular as ever today”. Even then it was considered an old-timer. 

30 seeds

PLANTING

Phaseolus lunatus

Germination: 4-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 75-85ºF

Seed Sowing Depth: 1” deep 

Outside Sowing: After the last frost with soil temperatures above 75ºF. Sow 2-3” apart. Planting in soil under 70ºF results in poor germination. 

How much does a packet plant: 5-7 foot single row 

Harvest: When beans are plump and fill out the pods

Tips: Lima beans need to grow in higher temperatures than bush beans. Cool summer temperatures result in low yields. Grow in light, well-drained soil, provide adequate, even moisture, especially at flowering time. Dry soil can result in low yields and fibrous pods. Do not over-fertilize the King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean with nitrogen, which results in a surplus of foliage and low, delayed pod growth.