History
Henderson’s Baby Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is one of the oldest and most beloved lima bean varieties in American gardening history. Introduced by Peter Henderson & Co. of New York in 1888, it was bred specifically to address the biggest complaint about traditional large lima beans — their sprawling vines and long growing season. Henderson’s solved both problems in one tidy package: a compact, productive bush plant that delivers tender, creamy small lima beans in just 65–70 days. Open-pollinated and non-GMO, it has remained a staple of American kitchen gardens for over 135 years and is the lima bean of choice for gardeners with smaller spaces who refuse to compromise on flavor.
Plant Profile
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Days to Maturity: 65–70 days
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Bean Size: Small, plump, creamy white; 3–4 beans per pod
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Color/Appearance: Pale green pods at fresh stage; creamy white seeds when shelled; compact 18–24 inch upright bush habit
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Plant Spread: 18–24 inches; neat, self-supporting bush
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Plant Type: Bush annual
Flavor Profile
Henderson’s Baby Lima delivers the classic sweet, buttery, earthy flavor that makes lima beans a Southern garden staple — but in a smaller, more tender package than large-seeded varieties. The smaller bean size means thinner skins and a creamier, less starchy texture, especially when harvested at the fresh-shell stage. Dried and stored, they cook up rich and satisfying in soups, stews, and succotash. Fresh off the vine, lightly steamed with butter and salt, they are one of summer’s quiet revelations.
Growth Type & Harvest Yields
Henderson’s is a bush variety — no staking, no trellising, no sprawling required. Plants stay compact at 18–24 inches and set pods in heavy flushes. Under normal conditions expect 3–4 lbs of fresh pods per plant over the season. Multiple succession plantings every 3–4 weeks will extend fresh harvests through the entire warm season. Pods are ready for fresh shelling when beans have filled out but pods are still green; let dry on the plant for dry beans.
Disease Resistance
- Good resistance to common bean mosaic virus
- Moderate tolerance to heat — one of the more heat-tolerant lima bean varieties available
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues; water at the base
- Susceptible to bean beetles — monitor undersides of leaves; hand-pick or use row covers early in the season
- Rotate bean crops every 3 years to prevent soil-borne disease buildup
Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions
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Spacing: 4–6 inches between plants; rows 18–24 inches apart
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Sow Depth: 1–1½ inches deep
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Germination: 7–10 days at 65–85°F soil temperature
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Sun Requirements: Full sun — minimum 6–8 hours daily
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Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil; pH 6.0–6.8; avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage over pods
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Water: Consistent moisture especially during flowering and pod fill; reduce watering once pods are mature for dry bean harvest
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Special Tips: Direct sow only — lima beans do not transplant well; do not plant until soil is thoroughly warm (65°F+); inoculate seeds with rhizobium inoculant before planting for improved nitrogen fixation and yields
When to Plant
Direct sow after last frost when soil has warmed to at least 65°F — lima beans are more heat-sensitive at germination than other beans and will rot in cold, wet soil. Succession plant every 3–4 weeks through midsummer for continuous harvests. Not sure of your zone? Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits
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Summer Savory — traditional bean companion; repels bean beetles and improves flavor
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Marigolds — deter Mexican bean beetles and aphids at bed edges
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Carrots — loosen compacted soil and complement the nitrogen-fixing roots of beans
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Cucumbers — pair well spatially; beans fix nitrogen that benefits heavy-feeding cucumbers
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Rosemary — repels bean beetles when planted at the border
- Avoid planting near: onions and garlic (inhibit bean growth), fennel (inhibits most vegetables), and beets (compete with beans)
How to Enjoy
Shell fresh and steam lightly with butter, salt, and a sprig of summer savory — the Southern classic that needs nothing more. Toss into succotash with fresh corn and a handful of cherry tomatoes for a peak-summer side dish. Simmer dried beans low and slow into a rich, silky pot of butter beans with smoked ham hock. Add to minestrone or vegetable soups where their creamy texture holds up beautifully without turning to mush. Or simply freeze fresh-shelled beans at peak season to enjoy that just-picked flavor all winter long.
Why Gardeners Love Henderson’s Baby Lima Bean
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No staking required — compact 18–24 inch bush habit fits raised beds and small spaces perfectly
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Tender, creamy flavor — thinner skins and sweeter, less starchy taste than large lima varieties
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Heat tolerant — one of the most reliable lima beans for hot summer gardens
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Prolific producer — heavy flushes of pods with succession planting for season-long harvests
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Dual-purpose — harvest fresh for tender shell beans or leave to dry for pantry staples
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135+ years of American garden history — open-pollinated, seed-saveable, and proven across generations
Harvest Tips
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When to harvest (fresh): Pick when pods are plump and green and beans have fully filled out but before pods begin to yellow — typically 65–70 days after planting
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When to harvest (dry): Leave pods on the plant until they are fully dry and papery; pull entire plant and hang to finish drying in a warm, ventilated space
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How to handle: Shell immediately before use for best fresh flavor; refrigerate unshelled pods for up to 5 days
Seed Saving
Allow a few pods to remain on the plant until fully dry and brown. Shell, inspect for damage, and spread seeds on a screen for an additional 1–2 weeks of drying. Store in a labeled airtight container in a cool, dark, dry location. Henderson’s Baby Lima Bean seeds remain viable for 3–4 years under proper storage conditions.
Order Today
Grow the lima bean that has earned its place in American kitchen gardens for over 135 years. Order your Henderson’s Baby Lima Bean heirloom seeds today and discover why gardeners keep coming back to this compact, prolific, and deeply flavorful classic.
