Christmas Lima Bean
Item Details
Also known as Large Speckled Calico, this variety was first cultivated in the United States around 1840 and produces beautiful, quarter-sized, flat white seeds with maroon spots and swirls. It has rich flavor and can be used as a shell lima or dry. Heavy yields, bears even during extreme heat.
- Conventional
- Pole bean
- Shelling and dry bean
- Seeds grow to the size of a quarter
- Bears even during extreme heat
This variety works for:
- Fresh eating
- Baking
- Soups
As your lima beans are maturing, shell them and toss the fresh seeds into salads with mint, feta, and hulled corn.
If you grow your limas as dry beans, try adding them to spicy Moroccan stews or Asian curries as the flavor of the bean will hold up well.
Christmas lima beans even work in chili recipes and add a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
Growing Instructions
Instructions - Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun.
- Direct Seed: 2" Apart
- Seed Depth: 1"
- Rows Apart: 36-48"
- Light: Full Sun
Ratings & Reviews
3 reviews
Beautiful vine is hardy in diverse weather
by Megan Michelle
These vines have done tremendous here in Oklahoma City, where we have a lot of severe weather. They have endured a few cold nights, hail storms, extreme wind, and now 100 degree days with nearly 100% humidity and they have just kept climbing. I have them growing on an 8 metal foot trellis and they have looked happy everyday. I harvest the dried pods and am saving up the dried beans for some fall soup once it's chilly again. The vine itself is has well-mannered growth and it has lovely foliage, so I would consider just growing it on a trellis to produce some shade in the yard. It has not had any problems with pests
They germinate easily
by James
Germinate very easily .....had to go away for month.....can't comment otherwise but but seeds are pretty big....gonna give another try
Great for cooking!
by Beegotten Farm
In zone 6b, these grew really well without a lot of effort. This is my go-to lima for cooking; the flavor is hearty, and they hold their shape and texture well during cooking. I just made the best baked beans in the crock pot yesterday, and they did not turn mushy at all.