When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Park County, CO
Your May gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to Park County, Colorado's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Transplants going out: christmas lima beans
- 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.
Park County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 80 days.
At an elevation of 7,567 feet, Park County receives approximately 23.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Christmas Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Park County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.6
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 Park County
How your county's soil matches Christmas Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.6) overlaps with Christmas Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Park County 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 moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Christmas Lima Beans.
How to Plant Christmas Lima Beans
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Park 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 — Park County, CO
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
| Direct Sow | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 14 |
| Harvest | September 22 | Sep 22 – Oct 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
80 days in Park County
Growing Tips for Christmas Lima Beans in Park County
Direct sow Christmas Lima Beans outdoors after June 16 in Park County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 80.0-day growing season in Park 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.
Park County receives only 23" 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
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 Park County, CO?
Park County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Park County, CO?
Park County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 4.
Your Park County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Park 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.