Hopi Yellow Bean

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sunlit and velvety, Hopi Yellow Bean fills the garden with warm, golden pods that mature into creamy, buttery beans of exceptional tenderness.

The flavor is mild and sweet with a delicate, satiny texture that holds its shape beautifully—ideal for hearty, comforting dishes and elegant spoonfuls alike. Grow this Lima-class favorite for a harvest that feels both heritage-rich and quietly luxurious, from first bloom to the final golden pod.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Hopi Yellow Bean

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 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Hopi Yellow Bean eats like a gentle lima—creamy and satiny without turning to mush—so it loves butter, aromatics, and a squeeze of lemon to keep it bright. Use it in spoonable braises or rich purées where its shape and tenderness can shine, not get roughed up by aggressive textures.

Best Uses

butter-slick succotash with peppers and onions
warm bean mash or purée for a spoon-on centerpiece
herb-flecked braise where the beans need to stay intact
soups and stews where you want a silky, non-gritty body

Flavor Profile

mild, sweet bean flavor buttery, creamy interior velvety, satiny mouthfeel tender with a firm enough bite to hold shape

Kitchen Pairings

brown butter garlic smoked paprika lemon caramelized onions parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Phaseolus lunatus (Hopi Yellow Bean), and how do I control them?

Watch for spider mites and aphids, which can flare up on hot, dry days and cause stippled or curled leaves; rinse plants with water and use insecticidal soap if needed. For disease, look for common bean rust/leaf spotting, especially in humid weather—avoid wetting the foliage, improve airflow between plants, and remove heavily spotted leaves to slow spread.

How often should I water Phaseolus lunatus during the main growing phase?

During flowering and pod fill (roughly mid-season), keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or windy. Let the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) dry slightly between waterings to prevent root issues while keeping pods forming.

How can I tell when Hopi Yellow Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest dry shelled beans when pods are fully matured and papery, and the seeds rattle inside when shaken—this usually takes around 90 days. If you’re harvesting for fresh (green) beans instead, pick pods when they’re plump and tender and before the pods turn leathery and start drying.