History
Henderson Bush Lima Bean is one of the oldest and most beloved lima bean varieties in American gardening history — a true heirloom that has been grown in home gardens since the 1880s. Introduced by Peter Henderson & Co. of New York, this compact bush variety quickly became a staple of the American kitchen garden, prized for its early maturity, reliable yields, and sweet, buttery flavor. Unlike the large pole limas that dominated earlier gardens, Henderson offered home gardeners a no-fuss, no-stake option that delivered an abundant harvest in a small footprint. Open-pollinated and non-GMO, Henderson Bush Lima Bean has been passed down through generations of gardeners who value its dependability and classic flavor.
Plant Profile
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Days to Maturity: 65–70 days from direct sow
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Plant Height: 18–24 inches — compact, bushy, no staking required
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Pod Size: 3–4 inches long, containing 3–4 small, flat seeds per pod
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Seed Color: Creamy white with a smooth, flat profile
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Plant Type: Open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom bush bean
Flavor Profile
Henderson Bush Lima Beans deliver the quintessential lima bean experience — sweet, buttery, and creamy with a smooth, starchy texture that makes them one of the most satisfying vegetables in the summer garden. The small seed size means a more tender, delicate bite compared to large-seeded limas, with a mild, clean flavor that pairs beautifully with butter, herbs, and summer vegetables. Fresh-shelled Henderson limas have a sweetness and creaminess that dried or canned limas simply cannot replicate — a flavor that reminds gardeners why growing your own is always worth it.
Growth Type & Harvest Yields
Henderson Bush Lima Bean is a compact, upright bush variety that requires no staking or trellising, making it ideal for raised beds, small gardens, and container growing. Plants grow 18–24 inches tall and produce an abundance of 3–4 inch pods over a long harvest window. In ideal conditions, a 10-foot row will yield 4–6 pounds of fresh-shelled lima beans. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks from late spring through early summer extends the harvest season well into fall. Plants are heat-tolerant and productive even in warm summer conditions, making Henderson one of the most reliable lima bean varieties for home gardeners across the country.
Disease Resistance
- Good tolerance to heat and humidity — performs well in warm summer conditions
- Moderate resistance to common bean mosaic virus in typical garden conditions
- Well-drained soil reduces risk of root rot and fungal issues
- Tip: Avoid overhead watering — water at the base to keep foliage dry and reduce disease pressure
Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions
- Spacing: Sow seeds 3–4 inches apart in rows 24–30 inches apart; thin to 6 inches when seedlings emerge
- Sow depth: 1–1½ inches deep in warm, well-drained soil
- Germination: 7–14 days at soil temps of 65–85°F — do not sow in cold soil
- Full sun — at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Requires well-drained, moderately fertile soil — avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization (beans fix their own nitrogen)
- No staking required — compact bush habit stays upright without support
- Keep soil consistently moist during pod fill for the best yields and flavor
When to Plant
Direct sow outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature is consistently above 65°F — lima beans are more heat-sensitive than snap beans and will not germinate well in cool soil. Do not start indoors — beans do not transplant well. Succession plant every 2–3 weeks through early summer for a continuous harvest. Find your frost dates and hardiness zone at the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits
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Corn & Squash — the classic Three Sisters combination; beans fix nitrogen for corn and squash, corn provides light wind protection
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Cucumbers — beans and cucumbers share similar growing conditions and make efficient use of bed space
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Carrots — carrots loosen soil around bean roots; beans add nitrogen that benefits nearby crops
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Summer Savory — a traditional bean companion; said to improve flavor and deter bean beetles
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Avoid planting near: onions, garlic, and fennel — alliums can inhibit bean growth
How to Enjoy
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Fresh-shelled: Shell and simmer in lightly salted water for 20–25 minutes — serve with butter and fresh herbs for a classic summer side
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Succotash: Combine with fresh corn, peppers, and onions for a traditional American succotash
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Soups & Stews: Add fresh or dried Henderson limas to soups, stews, and bean-based dishes for a creamy, hearty texture
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Sautéed: Toss blanched limas with olive oil, garlic, and lemon for a simple, elegant side dish
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Dried: Allow pods to dry fully on the plant and shell for a pantry staple that stores for years
Why Gardeners Love Henderson Bush Lima Bean
- One of the oldest and most reliable lima bean heirlooms — grown since the 1880s
- Compact bush habit — no staking, no trellising, perfect for raised beds and small gardens
- Sweet, buttery, creamy flavor that fresh-shelled limas deliver like nothing else
- Early maturity — 65–70 days means a productive harvest even in shorter growing seasons
- Open-pollinated and non-GMO — save your own seeds year after year
- Heat-tolerant and productive — a dependable performer across a wide range of climates
Harvest Tips
- Harvest when pods are plump and seeds are fully formed but still green — do not wait for pods to yellow
- Shell immediately after harvest for the sweetest, most tender flavor
- Check plants every 2–3 days during peak harvest — pods mature quickly in warm weather
- For dried beans, allow pods to turn tan and papery on the plant before harvesting
- Store fresh-shelled limas in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or blanch and freeze for long-term storage
Order Today
Add Henderson Bush Lima Bean Seeds to your garden this season and grow one of America's most beloved heirloom limas — sweet, buttery, and perfectly suited for raised beds and home gardens of every size. Choose your pack size and begin to grow.
