FULL SUN – POLE LIMA BEAN, King of the Garden – Phaseolus lunatus, lima beans come in large- and small-seeded varieties. The large-seeded beans were domesticated in South America, primarily near Peru. The small-seeded beans were domesticated in Mexico. Limas are among the oldest cultivated beans having been grown more than 7500 years ago. Pole varieties can reach a height of 10-12 ft. King of the Garden was introduced in 1883. The 8-10 ft. vines are heavy producers over a long season. The 5 in. pods contain 4-6 large beans. Excellent flavor. Plant in late spring after danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to a depth of 6 in. Pole beans should be planted in hills, 5-6 beans per hill with the hills 3 ft. apart. Use 3-12 ft. bamboo poles, tied together at one end to form a teepee. Bury the free ends of the poles 6-8 in. deep in the hills. Train the vines to grow up the poles. Pole beans can be easily grown in containers. Plant 6 beans in an 18 in. diameter pot. Use the bamboo pole teepee buried 6 in. in the pot to train the vines.
