SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Henderson's Bush

Lima Bean
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Henderson's Bush to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Henderson's Bush
65d to harvest

Henderson's Bush brings a lush, creamy sweetness to the garden—pods that swell with tender, pale-green beans, promising a delicate, velvety bite. The compact bush habit makes it especially satisfying for home plots, with dependable yields and a smooth, meaty texture that shines in classic lima preparations. Grow Henderson's Bush for comforting favorites, from rich, spoonable sauces to hearty side dishes that celebrate its gentle flavor.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Direct sow Henderson’s Bush lima beans after the soil is warm—keep moisture steady until emergence, then water deeply but less frequently to avoid pod problems.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 11a supports continuous outdoor production.
MilestoneDate
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Growing ApproachContinuous Production

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity65
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
Support NeededBush
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)55
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Henderson's Bush in Zone 11a typically begins around throughout the growing season. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Henderson's Bush.

Garden Alerts

Frost-free Zone 11a supports continuous outdoor production.

Recommended Companions

Butter and Sugar Corn
View Details →
Regal F1 Cucumber
View Details →
Durango Red Marigold
View Details →
Shintokiwa Cucumber
View Details →
Strawberry Corn Corn
View Details →
Inca II Marigold
View Details →

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common problem for Phaseolus lunatus (Henderson’s Bush) and how do I treat it?
A frequent issue is bean rust (often showing as small orange-brown spots on leaves), which can spread quickly in warm, humid weather. Remove and destroy infected leaves, improve airflow around plants, and avoid overhead watering. If it keeps spreading, use a copper-based fungicide according to the label and spray in the morning so foliage dries fast.
How often should I water Henderson’s Bush during the main growing phase?
During flowering and pod fill (roughly after plants establish until about mid-season), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week, aiming for roughly 1 inch of water total weekly depending on heat and soil, and let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings. Mulch can help prevent the drying spikes that cause poor pod set.
How can I tell when Henderson’s Bush is ready to harvest?
For fresh lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus), harvest when pods are fully formed and the beans inside are large and have a creamy look through the pod seam. If you wait too long for fresh eating, the beans turn starchy and can toughen; for dry beans, allow pods to dry on the plant until they rattle and feel papery. Typical harvest starts around 65 days from sowing, with picking often spanning several days.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Direct sow Henderson’s Bush lima beans after the soil is warm—keep moisture steady until emergence, then water deeply but less frequently to avoid pod problems.

Botanical illustration of Henderson's Bush

Henderson's Bush brings a lush, creamy sweetness to the garden—pods that swell with tender, pale-green beans, promising a delicate, velvety bite. The compact bush habit makes it especially satisfying for home plots, with dependable yields and a smooth, meaty texture that shines in classic lima preparations. Grow Henderson's Bush for comforting favorites, from rich, spoonable sauces to hearty side dishes that celebrate its gentle flavor.