When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Evangeline Parish, LA
Your May planting checklist for Evangeline Parish, Louisiana
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Evangeline Parish, Louisiana this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Pick christmas lima beans
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: 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.
Evangeline Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 22 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 279 days.
At an elevation of 203 feet, Evangeline Parish receives approximately 59.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Christmas Lima Beans during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Christmas 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 Christmas Lima Beans root diseases.
Evangeline Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.3
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 Evangeline Parish
How your county's soil matches Christmas Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.3) is more acidic than Christmas Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Evangeline Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Christmas Lima Beans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Christmas Lima Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Christmas Lima Beans.
How to Plant Christmas Lima Beans
Succession Planting Christmas Lima Beans
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Evangeline Parish). 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 — Evangeline Parish, LA
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 11 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Direct Sow | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 15 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
279 days in Evangeline Parish
Growing Tips for Christmas Lima Beans in Evangeline Parish
Direct sow Christmas Lima Beans outdoors after February 22 in Evangeline Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Evangeline Parish dries quickly — mulch Christmas Lima Beans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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.
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
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Christmas Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Christmas Lima Beans in Evangeline Parish, LA?
Evangeline Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 22. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Evangeline Parish, LA?
Evangeline Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 22 and first fall frost is November 28.
Your Evangeline Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Evangeline Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.