When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Vanderburgh 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.
Vanderburgh County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
At an elevation of 901 feet, Vanderburgh County receives approximately 40.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Christmas Lima Beans during the growing season.
Vanderburgh County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Vanderburgh County, IN
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
205 days
Growing Tips for Vanderburgh 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Christmas Lima Beans in Vanderburgh County, IN?
Vanderburgh County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Vanderburgh County, IN?
Vanderburgh County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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