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When to Plant Lima Beans in South Dakota

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.

South Dakota 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.

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Find Your County

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

Lima Beans Planting Calendar for South Dakota

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

Growing Tips for South Dakota

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lima Beans in South Dakota?

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

What zone is South Dakota for planting?

South Dakota 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: May 2026.