Lima Bean Seeds,
Kurzer's Calico Traveler

Plant Kurzer's Calico Traveler Lima beans in the spring, approximately 3-4 weeks after the last frost, or start them indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Lima beans are typically ready to harvest around 90 days after planting​. To find the appropriate planting and harvest times for your specific area, check your local frost dates using a tool like the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Soil Preparation: Choose well-draining, fertile soil, and work it to a loose texture. Enrich with compost or well-rotted manure.

Planting: Directly sow seeds 1-1.5 inches deep in rows 24-36 inches apart. Space plants 6 inches apart. If using containers, ensure they are at least 1 foot wide and deep with good drainage.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, then water deeply but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot.

Provide full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Maintain even soil moisture, particularly during flowering and pod development to prevent flower and pod drop. Generally, no extra fertilizer is needed. Side dress with compost mid-season if desired. Protect from frost and extreme cold​​.

• Limas are a self-pollinating annual, but insects can cause accidental cross pollination between different Lima bean varieties. In order to prevent any chance of accidental crossing, separate different varieties for saving by 500 feet.
• To save seed, allow pods to dry and become brittle. The seeds inside should be very hard, so you cannot dent them with a fingernail.
• If expecting rain or frost, you can pull mostly dried pods and dry them further indoors.
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place.