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Non-GMO
Easy to Grow
Heirloom

Christmas Lima Bean

Quick Facts:

  • Also known as Giant Calico
  • Heirloom dating back to 1840
  • Heavy yields of quarter-sized, lima beans
  • White with maroon swirls and speckles
  • Chestnut-like flavor, potato-like texture

View full description

Quantity: Packet (25 Seeds)

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We ship to all areas of North America including the United States, its territories and outlying islands, and Canada. International orders may incur an additional charge to cover the handling of customs paperwork. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt. Full warranty information can be found here.

Christmas Lima Bean

More about Christmas Lima

Phaseolus lunatis

Christmas Lima is an heirloom variety of lima bean that is popular throughout the American South, and particularly in Florida. Also known as Large Speckled Lima or Giant Calico, Christmas Lima produces heavy yields of quarter-sized, white lima beans splashed with maroon swirls and speckles.

Christmas Lima's vigorous plants grow to ten feet tall and yield well even in extreme heat and drought. The beautiful, speckled butter beans are produced two to three per pod and are a delight to shell, like opening a Christmas present.  Stored in glass canning jars, the dried beans are deserving of a prominent location in the kitchen or pantry.

Possibly one of the most beautiful varieties we offer, C... More

Less

Phaseolus lunatis

Christmas Lima is an heirloom variety of lima bean that is popular throughout the American South, and particularly in Florida. Also known as Large Speckled Lima or Giant Calico, Christmas Lima produces heavy yields of quarter-sized, white lima beans splashed with maroon swirls and speckles.

Christmas Lima's vigorous plants grow to ten feet tall and yield well even in extreme heat and drought. The beautiful, speckled butter beans are produced two to three per pod and are a delight to shell, like opening a Christmas present.  Stored in glass canning jars, the dried beans are deserving of a prominent location in the kitchen or pantry.

Possibly one of the most beautiful varieties we offer, Christmas Lima's unique markings hold well in storage and are even retained after cooking.  It boasts a delicious chestnut-like flavor complimented by a rich potato-like texture.  Many bean connoisseurs have noted the fact that even lima bean haters find a special fondness for this variety.  Pole habit.  Approximately 95 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.

Phaseolus lunatis

Christmas Lima is an heirloom variety of lima bean that is popular throughout the American South, and particularly in Florida. Also known as Large Speckled Lima or Giant Calico, Christmas Lima produces heavy yields of quarter-sized, white lima beans splashed with maroon swirls and speckles.

Christmas Lima's vigorous plants grow to ten feet tall and yield well even in extreme heat and drought. The beautiful, speckled butter beans are produced two to ... read more

read less

Phaseolus lunatis

Christmas Lima is an heirloom variety of lima bean that is popular throughout the American South, and particularly in Florida. Also known as Large Speckled Lima or Giant Calico, Christmas Lima produces heavy yields of quarter-sized, white lima beans splashed with maroon swirls and speckles.

Christmas Lima's vigorous plants grow to ten feet tall and yield well even in extreme heat and drought. The beautiful, speckled butter beans are produced two to three per pod and are a delight to shell, like opening a Christmas present.  Stored in glass canning jars, the dried beans are deserving of a prominent location in the kitchen or pantry.

Possibly one of the most beautiful varieties we offer, Christmas Lima's unique markings hold well in storage and are even retained after cooking.  It boasts a delicious chestnut-like flavor complimented by a rich potato-like texture.  Many bean connoisseurs have noted the fact that even lima bean haters find a special fondness for this variety.  Pole habit.  Approximately 95 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.

Gardener holding seedlings
person holding seedlings

How to Grow Pole Lima Beans

Lima beans perform best in well-drained soil of normal fertility. Lima beans do not require supplemental nitrogen as they are able to fix their own, however a fall application of well-aged manure or compost will help to boost yields in poor soils. Avoid planting lima beans in low-lying or poor-draining areas as this can predispose seedlings to fungal diseases and damping off.

After the danger of frost has passed and daytime soil temps average at least 60 degrees, sow seeds 1" deep, 2-3” apart in rows 36-60" apart. Support plants with posts and twine or tensile wire. Bamboo/wooden tripods or living trellises such as corn may alternatively be used for support. Avoid planting when cool, wet weather is forecast as this can increase the occurrence of fungal diseases and damping off.

Not recommended for beans

Insect Pests

Mexican Bean Beetles and Japanese Beetles can be controlled using a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution. Pheromone-based Japanese Beetle traps can also be effective at minimizing damage to plants. Finally, selection of tolerant cultivars is important in areas with known insect issues.

Diseases & Other Problems

Consult your local extension office to determine which diseases are most common in your area. Site selection is key in keeping bean diseases at bay. Select well-draining sites that do not have a history of disease. Giving plants ample space will allow leaves to dry more quickly and slow the spread of disease. Remove plant debris in the fall and turn over soil to minimize disease carryover. Avoid planting beans in the same location for at least two years. During hot and dry periods, beans may stop flowering or may drop flowers. Pod production will resume once moisture has returned.

Avoid harvesting beans in the morning before the leaves have dried or after a rain as this can spread disease. Timing the harvest is a matter of personal preference with some preferring to pick the pods while the seeds are still wet and others preferring to allow the pods to dry completely. For dry beans, individual pods may be picked once the pods are pale green to brown in color. Alternatively, entire plants may be pulled once a majority of pods have matured. Allow pods to dry for about four days before shelling. Once shelled, allow to cure for another week. Place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place. Dry lima beans can be stored for several years under these conditions. If vacuum-sealed with a desiccant bag in the container, they will keep for up to 30 years.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Lima beans are self-pollinating plants with perfect flowers that contain both male and female floral organs. Pollination typically occurs before the flower has opened, therefore crossing in beans is fairly uncommon. Isolation distances of a few feet are usually sufficient to prevent cross-pollination, so long as plants are not allowed to intermingle.

HARVESTING SEED:

Lima beans that are being saved for seed are harvested exactly as are dry beans. Pale green or brown pods are pulled and allowed to dry completely. The pods can then be "shelled" or opened to release the beans.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Lima bean seeds will maintain at least 50% germination for four years when stored under ideal conditions.

Bean growing on trellis

Customer Reviews

Based on 17 reviews
76%
(13)
18%
(3)
6%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
Larry Masey
Absolutely fabulous

I was very late to look for the Christmas pole Lima seed.
Thresh was the only company that was still able to ship. Had them in four days. So happy you saved the growing season for me.

J
Jerry Minich
Christmas beans

Beans all came up strong and are aggressively growing as expected. Doing well.

B
Byron Fulton
So far, so good!

Just about every bean planted is growing. Plants look great and doing well. Can't wait to put some on the stove! I hear they are delicious!

T
Timothy Pittman
Good eating!

Absolutely one of the best tasting lima beans you can grow!! It may be our soil or the weather (or my farming ability) but have planted 2 years in a row and get 60% germination at best. Thats ok, I just drop back and replant the blank spots. Very vigorous vine, requires some serious staking and fencing to climb on….but the first bite of a well cooked mess in November makes it all worth it !!! Great bean !! Family favorite !!!

R
Robert A.
Christmas Lima

I planted 4 seeds and 4 seeds germinated, about 2 inches high right now, i'll keep you updated as how well they do.

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