When to Plant Lima Beans in Larimer County, CO
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.
Larimer County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 7,108 feet, Larimer County receives approximately 23.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Larimer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Larimer County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.2) is more alkaline than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Larimer County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lima Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans
Lima Beans needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Larimer County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lima Beans Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Larimer County, CO
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
157 days in Larimer County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Larimer County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after May 02 in Larimer County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lima Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Larimer County receives only 23" of rain annually. Lima Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Larimer County, CO?
Larimer County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Larimer County, CO?
Larimer County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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