HENDERSON'S BUSH LIMA BEAN SEEDS

Phaseolus lunatus

We have had a difficult time trying to get a seed crop of our favorite lima beans most years in the Northeast. They are generally too late to mature, although there have been some exceptions given an unusually long hot dry season. Henderson's Bush is an old commercial variety that is probably the most reliable of all lima beans in the north. The sturdy bush plants are early and productive and delicious, even in less than ideal conditions. If you have had trouble growing limas, try Henderson's Bush.

Strong short bushes to no more than 3' produce lots of 3"- 4" pods with 3 or 4 beans each. The plump ivory beans can be shelled while they are still tender or allowed to mature and dry on the plants for winter storage. Flavor is pleasant and nutty, and the immature beans are just as easy to freeze as peas. Though we are partial to pole beans, this variety is worth the garden space. Highly recommended for gardeners that do not want to fuss with teepees and trellises. The plants require no support.

Lima beans require warmer soil than common snap beans to germinate successfully. Either wait until soil has warmed to nearly 70°F or start indoors in deep 50 cell flats just a few weeks before transplanting into well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates crowding but best with at least 8" of space between each plant. This variety is earlier than any other lima we have grown and can be sown well into June and still produce a crop in the Northeast.

First offered to gardeners in 1889 by Peter Henderson & Company.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.