Lima Beans, both bush and pole, are commonly grown in Alabama. Lima beans, sometimes called butter beans, can be grown either as pole or bush-type beans. There are several types of pole and bush lima beans; generally pole beans take longer for pods to mature than the bush type. They also produce during slightly higher temperatures than green beans.
Beans will not withstand frost. Therefore, make the first planting after the danger of the last killing frost in the early spring. Beans planted in cold soils are more susceptible to seedling diseases. Make successive plantings of bush snap beans at 2 to 3 week intervals. Cease plantings when the beans are forced to mature under high temperatures, which cause poor quality.
Lima beans require a little more space, about 3 to 6 inches, than snap beans. Beans will not produce well when they are crowded. Spacing may be achieved by planting seed and then thinning as plants grow.
Bean roots grow close to the soil surface, so limit cultivation to the top 1 inch of the soil to prevent damage. Beans suffer from drought easily so provide adequate water throughout the growing season, especially at bloom and during pod setting. |
