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When to plant Lima Beans in Ellis County, KS

Plant Lima Beans in Ellis County from May 1 to May 22 in spring. Ellis County sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 24 and first frost on October 15.

When to Plant Lima Beans in Ellis County, KS

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.

Ellis County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 664 feet, Ellis County receives approximately 20.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.

Ellis County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Ellis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.2

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 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Ellis County, KS

Lima Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 – May 22
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Ellis County

Growing Tips for Ellis 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 Ellis County, KS?

Ellis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ellis County, KS?

Ellis County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 15.

When should I plant Lima Beans in Ellis County, KS?

In Ellis County, KS, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ellis County, KS for Lima Beans?

Ellis 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 Ellis County's climate?

Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Ellis County's temperate climate. Ellis County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 15.

🌱

Your Ellis County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ellis 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.

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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 Ellis County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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