DarkGrowSeed Bank
← All Beans
Beans · Phaseolus lunatus 'King of the Garden'

Lima King of the Garden Pole

Lima King of the Garden Pole is a heirloom bean variety (Phaseolus lunatus 'King of the Garden'). Harvest begins around day 85-95; seed germinates in 7-12 days. Set plants 8-12 inches apart. Grow in soil pH 6.0-6.8, zones 4-10, full sun (6-8 hours).

Beans
85-95days to harvest
7-12days to germinate
Z4–10USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F and all danger of frost has passed. Plant 2 inches deep with pole support.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture crucial during pod fill
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
8-12 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Large pale green to cream colored beans
Size
Extra large, 1 inch long beans
Shape
Large flat kidney-shaped beans in 5-6 inch pods
Flavour
Rich, buttery, sweet, and creamy texture

In the kitchen

Succotash, lima bean casseroles, soups, fresh eating, freezing, dried storage

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Lima bean pod borer, Mexican bean beetle, aphids
Diseases
Downy mildew, bacterial blight, pod rot
Resistance
Moderate resistance to downy mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustOctober – September
3——June – JulyOctober
4——June – JulySeptember – October
5——May – JuneSeptember – October
6——May – JuneSeptember – October
7——April – JuneAugust – October
8——April – MayAugust – September
9——March – AprilJuly – August
10——February – AprilJune – August
11——January – MarchMay – July
12——January – MarchMay – July
13——January – MarchMay – July

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

CornProvides natural pole support for climbing beans, classic three sisters companion
MarigoldsRepel bean beetles and nematodes, reduce pest damage
CarrotsBeans fix nitrogen in soil that carrots utilize, carrots don't compete for space
RadishesBreak up soil for bean roots, mature quickly before beans need full space
NasturtiumsAttract beneficial insects and act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
Summer SavoryRepels bean beetles and may improve bean flavor and growth
LettuceBenefits from bean's nitrogen fixation and shade, efficient use of garden space
CatnipRepels flea beetles and ants that can damage bean plants

Avoid

OnionsCan inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root compounds
SunflowersAllelopathic compounds inhibit bean germination and growth
GarlicSulfur compounds can stunt bean growth and interfere with nitrogen fixation

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
1.97
Fat (g)
0.275
Carbohydrate (g)
7.41
Fibre (g)
3.01
Vitamin K (µg)
43.9
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.121
Calcium (mg)
40
Iron (mg)
0.652
Magnesium (mg)
28.2
Phosphorus (mg)
41.2
Potassium (mg)
290
Zinc (mg)
0.35
← PreviousEarly Contender Bush Bean Next →Jacob's Cattle Bush Bean

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the beans growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Lima King of the Garden Pole?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Open the forum → Start a discussion

Similar varieties

Other beans with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Lima King of the Garden Pole suits these too.

Browse all 84 beans