When to plant Lima Beans in Black Hawk County, IA
Lima Beans planted in Black Hawk County between May 6 and May 27 matures in 60–90 days — well before the October 7 first frost.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Black Hawk County, IA
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.
Black Hawk County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 1,380 feet, Black Hawk County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Black Hawk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Black Hawk County, IA
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
161 days in Black Hawk County
Growing Tips for Black Hawk 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Black Hawk County, IA?
Black Hawk County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Black Hawk County, IA?
Black Hawk County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Black Hawk County, IA?
In Black Hawk County, IA, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Black Hawk County, IA for Lima Beans?
Black Hawk County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Black Hawk County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Black Hawk County's temperate climate. Black Hawk County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 7.
Your Black Hawk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Black Hawk County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.