When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Bartholomew County, IN
Christmas lima beans are a large, beautifully marbled heirloom bean with a rich, chestnut-like flavor. They are a climbing variety that produces generously in warm weather.
Bartholomew County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 1,376 feet, Bartholomew County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Christmas Lima Beans during the growing season.
Bartholomew County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Plant Water Budget
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Bartholomew County, IN
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
80–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
191 days
Growing Tips for Bartholomew County
Direct sow after soil is warm. Provide tall trellising for vigorous vines. Harvest for fresh shelling when pods are plump or allow to dry on the vine for storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Christmas Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Christmas Lima Beans in Bartholomew County, IN?
Bartholomew County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bartholomew County, IN?
Bartholomew County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bartholomew County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.