When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Minnesota
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.
Minnesota spans USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.
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Click your county for exact Christmas Lima Beans planting dates based on your local frost dates.
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Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar for Minnesota
▸ Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 23 |
▸ Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | August 14 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 |
Growing Tips for Minnesota
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.
Christmas Lima Beans in Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Christmas Lima Beans in Minnesota?
Planting dates for Christmas Lima Beans in Minnesota depend on your USDA zone. Minnesota spans zones 4a, 4b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is Minnesota for planting?
Minnesota contains USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.