When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Ouray County, CO
What to do in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Ouray County, Colorado.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Direct-sowing: christmas lima beans
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.
Ouray County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 84 days.
At an elevation of 7,449 feet, Ouray County receives approximately 12.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Christmas Lima Beans during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Christmas Lima Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ouray County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.3
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 Ouray County
How your county's soil matches Christmas Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.3) is more alkaline than Christmas Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ouray County is excellent for Christmas Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Christmas Lima Beans.
How to Plant Christmas Lima Beans
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Ouray County). 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 — Ouray County, CO
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 16 |
| Direct Sow | June 25 | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Harvest | September 24 | Sep 24 – Oct 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
84 days in Ouray County
Growing Tips for Christmas Lima Beans in Ouray County
Direct sow Christmas Lima Beans outdoors after June 18 in Ouray County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 84.0-day growing season in Ouray County is tight for Christmas Lima Beans (80.0-100.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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.
Ouray County receives only 13" of rain annually. Christmas Lima Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
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Christmas Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Christmas Lima Beans in Ouray County, CO?
Ouray County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ouray County, CO?
Ouray County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 10.
Your Ouray County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ouray County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.