When it comes to growing lima beans, it’s essential to know the growing habit of the specific variety you are planting. Some lima beans are climbers, while others are bush varieties. The distinction between these two types is crucial in determining whether or not your beans will need support.
Bush lima beans, as the name suggests, have a bushy growth habit and do not require much support. These compact plants are self-supporting and typically grow to a height of about 1 to 3 feet. The sturdy stems of bush lima beans are capable of holding up the weight of the bean pods without any additional support.
I have personally grown bush lima beans in my garden, and I can attest to their ability to stand on their own. The plants grew vigorously, and the sturdy stems provided ample support for the developing pods. I didn’t need to worry about trellising or providing any kind of external support for these plants.
The bush lima bean plants tend to form a dense canopy of foliage, which helps shade the soil and suppress weed growth. This natural bushy habit also makes harvesting easier, as the pods are more accessible and visible compared to climbing varieties. Additionally, bush lima beans have a shorter maturity period, typically around 70-80 days, making them a great choice for gardeners looking for a quicker harvest.
On the other hand, climbing or pole lima beans have a vining habit and require trellising or some form of support. These plants can grow quite tall, often reaching heights of 6 to 10 feet or more. Without proper support, the long, twining vines of climbing lima beans may become tangled or even break under the weight of the developing pods.
Trellising is essential for climbing lima beans to ensure that the vines have something to cling to as they grow. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as stakes, poles, or trellis netting. Providing a vertical structure helps the vines grow upward, maximizing space in the garden and making it easier to harvest the beans.
I have also grown climbing lima beans in my garden, and I found that providing a sturdy trellis was crucial for their successful growth. I used a combination of bamboo poles and twine to create a simple trellis system. As the vines grew, I gently trained them onto the trellis, ensuring that they had plenty of support and room to climb.
Bush lima beans do not require support as they have a bushy growth habit and can support the weight of their pods on their own. Climbing lima beans, however, necessitate trellising or some form of support to ensure the vines can grow vertically without tangling or breaking. Knowing the growing habit of your lima bean variety is essential for a successful and productive harvest.
