When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Somerset County, ME
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.
Somerset County, Maine is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.
At an elevation of 356 feet, Somerset County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Christmas Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Somerset County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.4
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 — Somerset County, ME
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 |
| Direct Sow | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jun 26 |
| Harvest | September 4 | Sep 4 – Oct 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
127 days
Growing Tips for Somerset 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 Somerset County, ME?
Somerset County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Somerset County, ME?
Somerset County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Somerset County gardeners in Zone 4a 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.