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When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Muskogee County, OK

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.

Muskogee County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.

At an elevation of 651 feet, Muskogee County receives approximately 25.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Christmas Lima Beans during the growing season.

Muskogee County, OK (Zone 7a) Long season
209 days
Last Spring Frost April 4
209 growing days
First Fall Frost October 30

Muskogee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (79 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Aug 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (76 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Aug 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (86 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Aug 28

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,070 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Christmas Lima Beans needs ~1,710 GDD — county provides 3,971 GDD Excellent fit

Christmas Lima Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Muskogee County, OK

Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 14 Feb 14 โ€“ Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 2
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ May 2
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 โ€“ Aug 15

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

80โ€“100 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

209 days

Growing Tips for Muskogee 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Christmas Lima Beans in Muskogee County, OK?

Muskogee County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Muskogee County, OK?

Muskogee County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is October 30.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Muskogee County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Muskogee County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.