When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Northumberland County, PA
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.
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 324 feet, Northumberland County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Christmas Lima Beans during the growing season.
Northumberland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.6
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 — Northumberland County, PA
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Aug 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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
192 days
Growing Tips for Northumberland 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 Northumberland County, PA?
Northumberland County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Northumberland County, PA?
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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