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When to Plant Lima Beans in Arkansas

Lima beans are a warm-season legume producing large, creamy beans with a buttery texture. Both bush and pole varieties are available, with pole types yielding more.

Arkansas spans USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a (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 Lima Beans planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Lima Beans Planting Calendar for Arkansas

Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Jul 24
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Jul 15
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 15
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 8
Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jun 28

Growing Tips for Arkansas

Direct sow after soil is thoroughly warm at 65F or above. Do not soak seeds before planting as they may crack. Harvest when pods are plump but still green for fresh limas.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lima Beans in Arkansas?

Planting dates for Lima Beans in Arkansas depend on your USDA zone. Arkansas spans zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Arkansas for planting?

Arkansas contains USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. 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.