When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Natrona County, WY
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.
Natrona County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.
At an elevation of 6,332 feet, Natrona County receives approximately 13.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Christmas Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Christmas Lima Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Natrona County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.6
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Natrona County, WY
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | September 1 | Sep 1 – Oct 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
127 days
Growing Tips for Natrona 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 Natrona County, WY?
Natrona County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Natrona County, WY?
Natrona County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Natrona County gardeners in Zone 4b 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.