When to plant Lima Beans in Sullivan County, IN
Sullivan County's spring Lima Beans window runs April 25 through May 16. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Sullivan County, IN
June in the garden — Sullivan County, Indiana
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Sullivan County, Indiana this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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.
Sullivan County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 914 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 34.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.
Sullivan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
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 Sullivan County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Lima Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sullivan County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
Lima Beans Water Budget
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sullivan 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 — Sullivan County, IN
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Sullivan County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Sullivan County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after April 18 in Sullivan 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Sullivan County, IN?
Sullivan County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sullivan County, IN?
Sullivan County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Sullivan County, IN?
In Sullivan County, IN, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sullivan County, IN for Lima Beans?
Sullivan County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Sullivan County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Sullivan County's temperate climate. Sullivan County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 17.
Your Sullivan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sullivan County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.