When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Valdez-Cordova, AK
What to do in May
A quick May briefing for Valdez-Cordova, Alaska gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Move christmas lima beans from tray to bed
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Sow christmas lima beans where they'll grow
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
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.
Valdez-Cordova, Alaska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 2,888 feet, Valdez-Cordova receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 66°F, so choose short-season varieties of Christmas Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Valdez-Cordova Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.8
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 Valdez-Cordova
How your county's soil matches Christmas Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.8) is more acidic than Christmas Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Valdez-Cordova is excellent for Christmas Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Christmas Lima Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.2%) — Christmas Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Christmas Lima Beans
Succession Planting Christmas Lima Beans
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 27 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Christmas Lima Beans
Christmas Lima Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Christmas Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Valdez-Cordova). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Christmas 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.
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Valdez-Cordova, AK
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 9 |
| Direct Sow | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 9 |
| Harvest | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
146 days in Valdez-Cordova
Growing Tips for Christmas Lima Beans in Valdez-Cordova
Direct sow Christmas Lima Beans outdoors after May 12 in Valdez-Cordova when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Christmas Lima Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Christmas Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Christmas Lima Beans in Valdez-Cordova, AK?
Valdez-Cordova is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Valdez-Cordova, AK?
Valdez-Cordova, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Valdez-Cordova Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Valdez-Cordova (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.