65-85 Days to maturity. Phaseolus lunatus. Jackson Wonder Lima Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, high-yielding, drought-tolerant lima bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to drought. Also known as the "Jackson Wonder Bush Lima Bean," this variety is steeped in history and has unique characteristics that make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts. Hardy, beautiful, and versatile, these beans have young pods that can be cooked like snow peas or mature beans that can be consumed or dried and stored. ~67 seeds/oz.

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Latin Name: Phaseolus lunatus
Hardiness Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter
Days to Maturity: 65-85
Days to Germination: 5-10
Seeding Depth: 1 inch
Direct Sow: Yes, direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 65 F. Planting with an Inoculant: May increase yields, but is certainly not required for a successful grow.
Start Indoors: Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting.
Bean Pollination: Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having a variety of pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by ensuring the greatest chances for pollinating events to occur.
Snap or Shell Bean: Shell - Shell beans have a non-edible woody or fibrous husk that contains the edible beans within. For example, edamame has the beans inside, but you wouldn't want to eat the husk. Shell beans are also sometimes referred to as shelling beans.
Pole or Bush Bean: Bush - Bush beans grow on low-growing, compact, upright, bushy plants that typically do not need a trellis, pole, or other support. Bush beans are usually favorable to container growing.
Bean Sub-Type: Lima - Lima beans (also called butter beans, sieva beans, or double beans) are large, flat, round beans originally from South America. They have a mild flavor with a creamy texture.
Plant Spacing: 3-6 inches
Row Spacing: 24-36 inches
Plant Height: 18-24 inches
Plant Width: 18-24 inches
Growth Habit: Upright
Growth Speed: Mid - Ready for harvest around 66-86 days.
Deer Resistant: No
Soil Preference: Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers.
Temperature Preference: Warmer (70-85 F).
Germination Temperature: 70-90 F
Light Preference: Full Sun
Pests and Diseases: Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keeping your bean plants clean from dust build-up and surrounded by a variety of plants to help deter and prevent pest damage. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth.
Jackson Wonder Lima Bean Color: Tan seeds with purple molting and green pods.
Jackson Wonder Lima Bean Flavor: Buttery, nutty
Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container
Bean Use: Jackson Wonder Beans are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They can be used fresh or dried for later use, making them excellent for soups, stews, and traditional Southern dishes.
Climate Tolerance: Heat, Drought

Growing Jackson Wonder Lima Beans in the Vegetable Garden

To start off, plant the Jackson Wonder Lima Bean seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep in the soil. This depth ensures the seeds have enough cover to germinate effectively while not being so deep that they struggle to reach the surface. It's best to directly sow these beans in your garden after the last frost date has passed and the soil has warmed sufficiently—typically above 65 F.

Space the seeds about 3-6 inches apart in rows. The rows should be spaced 24-36 inches apart. This format allows each plant enough room to grow robustly and ensures adequate air circulation, which helps prevent diseases. As a bush variety, these lima beans do not require a vertical support system like pole beans do.

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially when the plants flower and develop beans. However, overhead watering should be avoided to minimize the risk of leaf diseases. Keep the area around the plants weed-free. Weeds can compete for nutrients and water, reducing your crop's yield. Consider planting corn or squash near your lima beans. Corn provides some shade and support, while squash helps suppress weeds with its sprawling vines. Avoid planting onions or garlic nearby, as they can inhibit the growth of beans.

Harvesting Jackson Wonder Lima Beans

Jackson Wonder Lima Beans are typically ready for harvest about 65-85 days after planting. You'll know they're ready when the pods are firm and have a plump appearance. For fresh eating, pick them when they're bright green and the beans inside have developed but aren't bulging. If you prefer them dry, wait until the pods are firm and develop a sheen. They may also be left to dry on the plant until the beans rattle inside when shaken.

Gently pull or snap the pods off the plants, taking care not to disturb the roots of neighboring beans. If you're harvesting them as dry beans, you can pull up the entire plant and hang it in a dry, airy place to complete the drying process. For bush types, regular harvesting is encouraged as it promotes continued production throughout the growing season.

About Jackson Wonder Lima Bean Garden Seeds

It was introduced around 1888 and is named after the town of Jackson in Georgia, which underscores its deep roots in American gardening tradition.

This variety was bred to be robust and adaptable to a variety of growing conditions, which is evident from its ability to thrive in different climate zones and its drought tolerance.

These beans are unique in that they can be enjoyed both as fresh green limas or as dried beans, offering flexibility in culinary use throughout their growing season and beyond.

Use dried beans to make a hearty soup enriched with ham hocks, carrots, celery, and herbs for a comforting meal. Beans are high in fiber and protein but low in fat and calories!

The small yet fragrant white flowers are attractive to butterflies and other critical pollinators.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"I am a huge fan of beans! They are one of my all-time favorite protein sources. They are a staple in my home and diet. Inexpensive to buy, easy to grow, delicious, and storable!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

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Examples Of Seed Variation - Natural Vs Man-Made Materials

Jackson Wonder Lima Bean Seeds Per Package:

1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 67 Seeds
4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 268 Seeds
1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 1,072 Seeds
5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 5,360 Seeds
25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 26,800 Seeds

Non-GMO Jackson Wonder Lima Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.

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