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When to Plant Lima Beans in Colorado

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.

Colorado spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b (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 Colorado

Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 – Jun 14
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 – Sep 6
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 20 May 20 – Jun 10
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 – Sep 2
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 15 May 15 – Jun 5
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 – Aug 28
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

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

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 2 May 2 – May 23
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Aug 15
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 8
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 – May 8
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Jul 31
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

Growing Tips for Colorado

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 Colorado?

Planting dates for Lima Beans in Colorado depend on your USDA zone. Colorado spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Colorado for planting?

Colorado contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b. 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.