lima bean seeds to plant King of the Garden Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus 'King of the Garden') – Terra Mater Gardens

King of the Garden is a legendary heirloom pole lima bean celebrated for its vigorous climbing vines, heavy yields, and exceptionally large, tender beans. A longtime favorite among home gardeners, this variety produces abundant pods filled with thick, creamy-white lima beans that are rich, buttery, and perfect for fresh shelling or drying.

If you’re looking for a productive, space-efficient climbing bean that delivers generous harvests and classic lima flavor, King of the Garden is a standout choice.

Why Grow King of the Garden Lima Beans?

🌱 Vigorous pole growth – Climbs 6–10 feet with strong vines
🫘 Large, plump beans – Thick, creamy texture
🧺 Heavy yields – Abundant pod production over a long season
🌿 Space-efficient vertical growing
🥣 Rich, buttery flavor – Superior to many bush limas
🌎 Nitrogen-fixing legume – Improves soil health
🌿 Certified organic heirloom seed

A favorite for gardeners who want both productivity and exceptional eating quality.

Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus lunatus

• Variety: ‘King of the Garden’

• Plant Type: Warm-season annual

• Growth Habit: Pole (climbing)

• Vine Length: 6–10 feet

• Days to Harvest (Fresh Shell Stage): 85–95 days

• Pod Length: 4–6 inches

• Seeds Per Pod: 3–5 large beans

Because it is a pole variety, it produces over a longer period than most bush limas.

Growing Instructions

Direct Sow Outdoors

Lima beans prefer warm soil and consistent heat.

• Soil Temperature: At least 70°F

• Planting Depth: 1–1½ inches

• Spacing: 4–6 inches apart

• Support: Trellis, fence, or pole system required

• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Wait until all danger of frost has passed and soil has thoroughly warmed before planting.

Trellising

Provide sturdy vertical support at planting time. Poles, cattle panels, or strong netting work well. Vertical growth increases airflow and simplifies harvesting.

Harvesting Options

For Fresh Shell Beans

✔ Harvest when pods are plump and bright green
✔ Shell while beans are full-sized but still tender
✔ Cook soon after harvest for best flavor

For Dry Beans

✔ Allow pods to mature and dry on the vine
✔ Harvest when pods become tan and brittle
✔ Shell and fully dry beans before storage

Culinary Uses

King of the Garden lima beans are prized for their creamy texture and rich taste:

🥣 Classic buttered lima beans
🍲 Hearty soups and stews
🥘 Slow-cooked casseroles
🥗 Warm bean salads
🫘 Freezing for later use

Fresh shell limas have a noticeably sweeter, more delicate flavor than store-bought dried beans.

Soil Health & Garden Benefits

As a legume, lima beans fix atmospheric nitrogen through beneficial root nodules, enriching soil for future crops.

Good companions:

• Corn

• Cucumbers

• Squash

• Sunflowers

Avoid planting near onions or garlic.

After harvest, leave roots in the soil to decompose naturally and improve fertility.

Ideal For

• Home gardens

• Organic growers

• Heirloom collectors

• Vertical gardening systems

• Small farms

• Homesteaders seeking storage crops

Its climbing habit makes it especially valuable where garden space is limited but vertical structures are available.

Organic & Heirloom Quality

Our King of the Garden Lima Bean seeds are:

🌱 Organically grown
🌿 Open-pollinated heirloom
🌎 Non-GMO
🧺 High germination tested

Grow a time-tested heirloom that rewards you with abundant vines and large, buttery beans. King of the Garden Lima is a productive, flavorful classic that earns its royal title season after season.