When to plant Lima Beans in Applegate, CA
Plant Lima Beans in Applegate from April 29 to May 20 in spring. Applegate sits in USDA Zone 9b, with last frost around April 22 and first frost on November 9.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Applegate, CA
This month in Placer County, California
July is a pivotal month for Placer County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Applegate, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 651 feet, Placer County receives approximately 25.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.
Applegate Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Lima Beans 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 Applegate
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.2) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Placer 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 (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
Lima Beans 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 | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 0.7" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.1" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 0.2" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Placer 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 — Applegate, CA
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Placer County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Applegate
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after April 22 in Placer 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.
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
When should I plant Lima Beans in Applegate, CA?
In Applegate, CA, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Applegate, CA for Lima Beans?
Applegate sits in USDA Zone 9b. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Applegate's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Applegate's temperate climate. Applegate averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around November 9.
Your Placer County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Placer County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.