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When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Vermont

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.

Vermont spans USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b, 5a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Christmas Lima Beans planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar for Vermont

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
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 – May 23
Direct Sow May 2 May 2 – May 23
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 – Sep 5

Growing Tips for Vermont

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Christmas Lima Beans in Vermont?

Planting dates for Christmas Lima Beans in Vermont depend on your USDA zone. Vermont spans zones 4a, 4b, 5a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Vermont for planting?

Vermont contains USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b, 5a. 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.