When to plant Lima Beans in Isleton, CA
Plant Lima Beans in Isleton from February 19 to March 12 in spring. Isleton sits in USDA Zone 9b, with last frost around February 12 and first frost on December 1.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Isleton, CA
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Lima beans are a warm-season legume producing large, creamy beans with a buttery texture. Both bush and pole varieties are available, with pole types yielding more.
Isleton, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 292 days.
At an elevation of 263 feet, Sacramento County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.
Isleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Lima Beans Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Isleton
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.1) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sacramento County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
Lima Beans Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans
Lima Beans needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 6.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3.9" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.2" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 0.3" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Sacramento County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lima Beans Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Isleton, CA
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 12 |
| Harvest | April 23 | Apr 23 – Jun 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
292 days in Sacramento County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Isleton
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after February 12 in Sacramento County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lima Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow after soil is thoroughly warm at 65F or above. Do not soak seeds before planting as they may crack. Harvest when pods are plump but still green for fresh limas.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lima Beans in Other Locations
When should I plant Lima Beans in Isleton, CA?
In Isleton, CA, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around February 12) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Isleton, CA for Lima Beans?
Isleton sits in USDA Zone 9b. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Isleton's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Isleton's temperate climate. Isleton averages a 293-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 12 and first frost around December 1.
Your Sacramento County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sacramento County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.