Blog

When to Plant Lima Beans in Appleton, WA

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.

Appleton, Washington is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.

At an elevation of 466 feet, Klickitat County receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 77°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Appleton, WA (Zone 7b) Moderate season
188 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
188 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Appleton Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

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 5.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 6.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 6.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Appleton, WA

Lima Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 – May 12
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 – Aug 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

188 days in Klickitat County

Growing Tips for Appleton

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 →

🌱

Your Klickitat County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Klickitat County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Klickitat County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.