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When to plant Lima Beans in Washington County, FL

For Washington County, gardeners: plant Lima Beans March 12 through April 2 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Lima Beans in Washington County, FL

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.

Washington County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 196 feet, Washington County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Lima Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lima Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lima Beans root diseases.

Washington County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.8-5.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans

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 Lima Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Washington County, FL

Lima Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 – Apr 2
Harvest May 14 May 14 – Jun 25

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

260 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington County

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lima Beans in Washington County, FL?

Washington County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, FL?

Washington County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 20.

When should I plant Lima Beans in Washington County, FL?

In Washington County, FL, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Washington County, FL for Lima Beans?

Washington County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lima Beans grow in Washington County's climate?

Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 260-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 20.

🌱

Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Washington County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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