Baby Fordhook

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweet and buttery in the pod, Baby Fordhook lima beans fill with tender, pale-green perfection—smooth, creamy, and remarkably uniform at harvest.

Their compact, garden-friendly growth brings a steady supply of young beans prized for fresh garden bowls and for spoon-ready simmering, as well as classic purées and hearty bean blends. Grow them for a soft, velvety bite that turns everyday meals into something quietly luxurious.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 72 DaysHabit: Bush

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 6th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	72
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	70
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Baby Fordhook limas are engineered by nature for a soft, velvety bite—cook them gently so they stay creamy rather than grainy. They love rich fats (butter/Parmesan) and bright lift (lemon), which keeps the sweetness from turning flat.

Best Uses

quick-steamed and tossed with browned butter to glaze the pods’ sweetness
spoon-ready simmered beans in a light broth (finish with salt at the end)
velvety purée as a base for braises or roasted roots
cold-steady additions to warm grain bowls where they stay tender

Flavor Profile

sweet, gentle snap buttery, creamy mouthfeel mild, starchy beaniness clean, vegetal finish

Kitchen Pairings

browned butter garlic lemon zest parmesan fresh thyme smoked paprika

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Baby Fordhook plants turning yellow or wilting from the base, and what should I do?

This is often Fusarium wilt or damping-off–type stem collapse in cole crops. Remove and discard affected plants, avoid replanting in the same spot for 2–3 years, and keep leaves dry by watering at the soil line. If damping-off is suspected in seedlings, use fresh/sterile seed-starting mix and water only when the mix surface is just beginning to dry.

How often should I water Baby Fordhook during the main growth period to avoid tough leaves or splitting?

During the ~first 6–7 weeks after transplanting, water deeply so the top 2–3 inches of soil stay consistently moist, typically about 1 inch per week total (more in hot, windy weather). Aim for steady moisture rather than heavy swings—letting it dry out and then soaking can lead to stressed, tougher leaves. Use a finger check: if the soil feels dry 1–2 inches down, water; if it’s wet or muddy, pause until it drains.

How can I tell when Baby Fordhook is ready to harvest (72 days) without harvesting too early or too late?

Harvest when heads are compact and firm, typically when the plants reach about 6–8 inches tall with dense, tightly filled leaves. The outer leaves should look bright and crisp, not stretched or overly loose, and you should be able to gently press the head and feel minimal give. Cut the head at the base when it meets that firmness—don’t wait for looseness, or the texture can become tougher.