Fordhook 242 Lima Beans are an All-America Selections winner, producing massive yields of light-green 4-5 inch pods, each packed with 3-5 large beans. an This outstanding variety known for their smooth texture, rich flavor, and impressive productivity. These beans grow in vigorous plants that produce large, creamy white beans with a slightly nutty taste and buttery texture that are perfect for adding to soups, stews, casseroles, or enjoying as a standalone side dish. Perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners, this variety thrives in warm conditions and offers a generous harvest that can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or dried.The plant itself is easy to grow and well-suited for a variety of garden types, from small backyard spaces to larger vegetable plots. Fordhook 242 Lima Beans are not only a tasty addition to your meals but also an incredibly productive crop, giving you an abundance of beans to preserve for later use. Also Known As: Fordhook Lima Beans, 242 Lima Beans, Fordhook Beans, Large Lima Beans, Butter Beans, Green Butter Beans, Pole Lima Beans, Bush Lima Beans, Winter Lima Beans, Southern Lima Beans. Plant Name: Lima Beans, Fordhook 242 Latin Name: Phaseolus lunatus Days to Germinate: 7-14 Days to Harvest: 75 Plant Height: 1 - 2 Feet Spread: 10 - 20 Inches Growth Habit: Bush USDA Zones: 3-11 Lifespan: Annual Brand: TomorrowSeeds Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated GMO: No Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2026 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth. Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. Planting: Lima Beans grow best in temperatures between 70F-90F. Direct-sowing is recommended. Plant Lima beans in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 60F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 7-9 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, plant 2-3 seeds per hole, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. Planting Depth: 1 inch Within-Row Spacing: 6 inches Between-Row Spacing: 2-3 feet Care During the Season: Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture. Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots. Fertilizing: Once plants start forming pods, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing. Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions. Harvesting: Harvest Fordhook Lima beans when the pods are yellowish-brown and feel dry to the touch, around 75 to 90 days after planting. Check the pods by gently squeezing them; they should feel firm, and the beans inside should be fully developed. If you’re harvesting for dry beans, allow the pods to dry on the vine as much as possible. If frost threatens, harvest the pods early and finish drying them indoors. Once the beans have dried completely, shell them out of the pods and store them in a cool, dry place. This ensures your beans are fully matured and ready for long-term storage.
