Henderson

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Silky, buttery pods unfurl to reveal tender Henderson lima beans with a rich, mellow flavor and a velvety bite that feels almost custard-smooth.

Expect an even, dependable harvest around 68 days, with beans that hold their charm whether you’re savoring them fresh or letting them shine in hearty potfuls, bright purees, and spoonable sauces. A garden favorite for those who love a refined texture and a comforting, garden-sweet taste.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 68 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 2nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	68
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Henderson lima beans lean into that silky, almost custard bite—so treat them like a spoon crop: keep the heat gentle and the cooking time tight to preserve the velvet texture. They love fat and smoke (brown butter, pancetta) but need a squeeze of lemon to keep the whole bowl from turning flat.

Best Uses

butter-slick spoonable succotash-style skillet with bacon or smoked sausage
quick-boiled and gently mashed beans for airy purees
thick, spoonable lima-bean velouté or purée-based sauce
fresh or just-cooked beans served warm with bright acid for balance

Flavor Profile

garden-sweet mellow bean flavor velvety, custard-smooth mouthfeel buttery richness with a clean, soft finish

Kitchen Pairings

bacon or pancetta smoked pork brown butter lemon garlic

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Phaseolus lunatus (lima/Henderson bush beans), and how can I control it?

Watch for bean rust and foliar fungal spots, which show up as orange/brown pustules or dark leaf spots during warm, humid weather. Remove the worst-affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid overhead watering; if problems persist, use a labeled copper-based fungicide and reapply according to the label during high-risk weather. Also check for aphids and leaf-eating caterpillars—spray plants with a strong jet of water first, then use an insecticidal soap if infestation continues.

How often should I water Phaseolus lunatus during peak growth (flowering and pod fill)?

During flowering and pod fill, keep the top 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) of soil consistently moist but not soggy—typically about 1 in (2.5 cm) of water per week total, including rainfall, adjusted for heat and wind. Water at the base in the morning so leaves dry quickly, and reduce watering slightly once pods are fully sized to prevent root stress and leaf-drop. Mulch lightly to steady moisture, since bush lima beans can suffer if they dry out repeatedly between waterings.

How can I tell when Henderson (Phaseolus lunatus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are fully developed and the beans inside are thick and creamy/tender—about 68 days from sowing for your crop. If you lightly squeeze a pod, it should feel firm but not hard, and the seeds should not rattle inside; taste a bean—tender, creamy beans are ready for fresh use. For dried beans, leave pods on the plant until they are fully dry and brittle, then shell and cure indoors.