Baby Fordhook

Lima Bean

Zone 1b Save Garden

🌱 72d to harvest Bush

Sweet and buttery in the pod, Baby Fordhook lima beans fill with tender, pale-green perfection—smooth, creamy, and remarkably uni…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jun 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Aug 12th
Harvest Ends	Aug 1st

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

Recommended Companions

Salt and Pepper Cucumber

Caribbean Corn

Golden Bantam Corn

Homemade Pickles Cucumber

Shintokiwa Cucumber

Vertina Cucumber

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.

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.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 70°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For tender, firm baby lima beans, keep soil evenly moist and harvest frequently when pods are young and beans are still small.