View Larger Pole Lima Bean

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon Fruit Garden & Nursery Lower Garden Pioneer Farm Upper Garden

  • Fruit Garden & Nursery
  • Lower Garden
  • Pioneer Farm
  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend

    Pole lima beans are vigorous plants that do best when grown on trellises. They are fast growing and produce beans which can be used fresh or dried.

    Latin Name

    Phaseolus lunatus


    Family

    Fabaceae


    Also Known As

    Butter bean


    Type of Plant

    Annuals Annuals
    Vegetables Vegetables

    Seasons

    Summer Summer

    Specifications

    Max height Max Height: 10'
    Max spread Max Spread: 3'

    Uses

  • Annual
  • Edible
  • Vegetable

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Colors


    Native Range

    South America


    History

    George Washington sent a letter to Anthony Whitting in February of 1793 regarding lima beans that Mrs. Washington wanted the gardener to plant.


    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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