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When to plant Christmas Lima Beans in Pine County, MN

In Pine County, Christmas Lima Beans is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 24–June 14 for an 80–100-day harvest, finishing well before the September 29 first frost.

When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Pine County, MN

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.

Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 538 feet, Pine County receives approximately 33.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Christmas Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Pine County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
142 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Pine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Christmas Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Pine County, MN

Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 – Jun 14
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 – Jun 14
Harvest August 23 Aug 23 – Sep 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

142 days in Pine County

Growing Tips for Pine County

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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Christmas Lima Beans in Pine County, MN?

Pine County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pine County, MN?

Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.

When should I plant Christmas Lima Beans in Pine County, MN?

In Pine County, MN, plant Christmas Lima Beans after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pine County, MN for Christmas Lima Beans?

Pine County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Christmas Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Christmas Lima Beans grow in Pine County's climate?

Yes — Christmas Lima Beans grows well in Pine County's temperate climate. Pine County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around September 29.

🌱

Your Pine County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pine County (Zone 4a). 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 Pine County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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