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Bush lima beans are vigorous, productive plants. Their smaller size makes them easy to grow in the home garden and they still provide a bounteous harvest. They can be used dry or fresh.

Latin Name

Phaseolus lunatus


Family

Fabaceae


Also Known As

Butter Bean


Seasons

Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 2'
Max spread Max Spread: 2'

Uses

  • Annual
  • Vegetable
  • Edible

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Colors


    Native Range

    Central America


    History

    George Washington sent a letter to William Pearce in 1794 where he included lima beans for the gardener to plant.


    Planted at Mount Vernon

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

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

  • Hardiness Zones

    USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend

    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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