Henderson Lima Bean Seeds

Henderson Lima Bean is one of America's oldest and most dependable bush lima beans, treasured since the late 1800s for its early maturity, heavy yields, and delicious buttery flavor. Unlike large pole limas, Henderson grows as a compact bush, producing abundant clusters of small, creamy-white beans without the need for staking or trellising. Its exceptional productivity, heat tolerance, and ease of cultivation have made it a favorite of home gardeners and market growers for well over a century.

Henderson Lima Beans are prized for their creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor with delicate nutty undertones. When freshly shelled, the beans are tender and smooth, making them one of the finest vegetables for slow cooking, soups, and traditional Southern recipes. Their mild flavor also blends beautifully with herbs, smoked meats, garlic, onions, and fresh garden vegetables.

Fresh shelled Henderson Lima Beans are excellent simmered with butter and herbs, cooked Southern-style with ham or bacon, added to soups, stews, casseroles, succotash, vegetable medleys, and rice dishes. The beans freeze exceptionally well after blanching and may also be dried for long-term storage. Their creamy texture makes them one of the finest shell beans for hearty home-cooked meals.

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 65°F. Plant seeds approximately 1 to 1½ inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 10 days under warm growing conditions.

Grow plants in full sun with consistent moisture throughout flowering and pod development. Henderson Lima forms sturdy bush plants that require no staking or trellising, making cultivation simple and efficient. Harvesting mature pods regularly encourages continued production throughout the season.

Harvest pods when they are plump and fully developed but still green. Shell the beans soon after harvest for the finest flavor and tenderness. Fresh shelled beans can be refrigerated for several days, frozen after blanching, pressure canned, or dried completely for long-term storage. Henderson is particularly valued because it performs exceptionally well using all of these preservation methods.