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Lima Bean Growing
SOIL Lima beans grow best on medium to light, loamy soils that are well drained and well supplied with organic matter. Lima beans can develop vigorous, extensive root systems. Avoid gardens that are stony or that have a history of high weed populations, especially quackgrass. Select fields that are uniform in fertility, soil type, slope and drainage. Rotate crops to minimize root damage from root rot diseases and avoid fields that had crops where white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) was a problem. Determine corrective lime and fertilizer rates by a soil test. In general, pH should be at least 6.5. In fields with no recent history of lima bean production, seed will need to be properly inoculated (see below). Use a plant spacing of 3-4 inches within row and 22 to 36 inches between rows. Use the wider spacing for large-seeded limas. For baby limas, a spacing of 3 x 22 inches would result in approximately 95,000 plants/acre. At about 1300 seeds/lb, approximately 73 lb seed/acre would be needed. For large limas, a spacing of 4 x 36 inches would result in about 44,000 plants/acre. At 500 seeds/lb, about 88 lb seed/acre would be needed. Seeding rates would have to be adjusted upward from these figures to take into account actual seed count, germination percentage, and expected seedling mortality.
Inoculating seed before planting is recommended when limas are to be grown on soils on which limas have not been grown before. Strains of inoculum specific for limas should be used. Inoculum should be fresh and should be applied just before planting. Actagro Liquid Humus to prepare the soil Actagro Structure to Get them growing Actagro Bloom and Grow to get them producing
It is best to plant lima beans into moisture and avoid irrigation until the stand has been established. Manage water applications carefully to avoid excessive vegetative growth before bloom. From 20-25 inches of water may be needed depending on seasonal variation, variety, and planting date. Soil type does not affect the amount of total water needed, but does dictate frequency of water application. Lighter soils need more frequent water applications, but less water applied per application.
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