There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown lima beans. But to get that perfect, buttery flavor, you need to know exactly when to pick lima beans. Picking them at the right time makes all the difference between a starchy, tough bean and a tender, creamy one. This guide will walk you through the simple signs of perfect ripeness for both shelling and dry beans.
Getting the timing wrong is a common frustration. Pick too early, and the beans are tiny and lack flavor. Pick too late, and they become mealy and tough. By understanding a few visual and tactile clues, you can harvest your limas at their absolute peak.
When To Pick Lima Beans
This is your core rule of thumb. For the beans we shell and cook fresh (called “green” or “butter” stage), you typically harvest about 65 to 75 days after planting, depending on the variety. But days are just a estimate. The plant itself gives you the best signals.
The Key Signs of Ripeness for Fresh Shelling
For the lima beans you want to shell and eat fresh, follow these clues. The pods are your main indicator.
First, look at the pod’s appearance. It should be well-filled and have a bright, green color. The pods will feel plump and firm to the touch, not flat or skinny. You should be able to see the distinct shape of the beans bulging inside the pod.
Next, check the pod’s texture. A ripe pod will start to lose its deep glossy shine and may take on a slightly more matte finish. It should still be flexible, not dry or brittle. The seam along the pod will be green, not brown or yellowing.
Finally, do the “thumbnail test.” This is the most reliable method. Press your thumbnail gently into the side of a plump pod. If the pod pops open easily along the seam, revealing well-formed, bright green beans inside, they are ready. If the pod resists or the beans inside are still very small and underdeveloped, give them a few more days.
What About for Dried Lima Beans?
The process is completely different if you want to harvest dry beans for storage. In this case, you leave the pods on the plant much longer. You are waiting for the entire pod to dry out on the vine, if the weather permits.
The pods will turn a pale tan or brown color and become papery and brittle. The beans inside will rattle when you shake the pod. At this stage, you can pick the dry pods and shell out the hard, dried beans. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They’ll keep for over a year.
Bush vs. Pole Varieties: Does It Matter?
The type of lima bean plant you grow changes your harvest strategy, not the ripeness signs. Bush beans tend to produce their entire crop over a shorter period, often within a couple of weeks. You’ll need to check them frequently once pods appear.
Pole beans produce continuously over a longer season. You’ll be harvesting from the same vines every few days for weeks. Start checking the lowest pods first, as they mature earliest. Regular picking also encourages the plant to produce more.
A Step-by-Step Harvesting Guide
Here is the best way to harvest your lima beans to keep the plants productive.
- Time it right: Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried. This is when the plants are crisp and full of moisture.
- Use two hands: Hold the stem with one hand and gently pull the pod off with your other. This prevents damaging the delicate vine, especially important for pole beans.
- Check as you go: Only pick pods that meet the ripeness criteria. Leave smaller, flatter pods to develop further.
- Be gentle: Place your harvested pods gently into a basket or bucket. Bruising can lead to quicker spoilage.
- Process promptly: Shell and cook or preserve your lima beans as soon as possible after harvest for the best flavor and texture. They can lose sweetness quickly.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Even with perfect timing, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to handle them.
* Tough or Starchy Beans: This is the classic sign of harvesting too late. The beans have passed their prime creamy stage and have started to mature into their dry form. Next time, check your plants a few days earlier.
* Yellowing Pods: If pods are turning yellow and the beans inside are still small, it could be a sign of stress—like under-watering, over-watering, or a nutrient deficiency. Ensure consistent soil moisture.
* Empty or Poorly Filled Pods: Often caused by poor pollination. Encourage bees and other pollinators by planting flowers nearby. Hot, windy weather during flowering can also interfere.
* Mold or Mildew on Pods: This is usually a sign of to much humidity or overcrowded plants. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage when you water.
Storing and Using Your Fresh Harvest
Fresh lima beans are perishable, so have a plan. If you can’t shell and cook them the same day, store the whole pods in a perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. They should keep for about a week.
For longer storage, you have two great options:
1. Blanching and Freezing: This is the best method for preserving that fresh-picked quality. Shell the beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly and freeze in single layers on a tray before transferring to freezer bags.
2. Drying: As mentioned, you can let the beans dry fully on the plant. Or, you can harvest plump, mature pods and spread the shelled beans in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area to finish drying completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can you harvest lima beans?
Bush beans are usually harvested 2-3 times in a concentrated period. Pole beans can be harvested continually every 2-4 days for two months or more until frost.
Can you eat lima bean pods?
No, unlike green beans (snap beans), lima bean pods are fibrous and inedible. You must shell them to eat the beans inside. The pods are sometimes composted.
What if my beans have a slightly bitter taste?
A slight bitterness can occur, especially in older heirloom varieties. This is usually minimized by proper cooking. Always taste one bean before cooking a large batch. Blanching them before your final cooking can also help reduce any bitter notes.
How do you know when baby lima beans are ready?
The variety “baby” lima beans are simply a smaller-seeded type. They are harvested using the exact same signs: plump, bright green pods that pop open easily. They will just contain smaller beans at maturity.
Is it okay to pick lima beans when they are wet?
It’s best to avoid it. Harvesting wet beans can spread fungal diseases between plants. Wait until the morning dew has evaporated or until after a rain has passed and the plants have dried.
Knowing exactly when to pick lima beans turns a good harvest into a great one. It’s a skill that comes with a little observation and practice. By focusing on the pod’s color, plumpness, and the simple thumbnail test, you’ll consistently gather limas at their flavorful best. Remember that the plants will give you clear signals, whether you want them for a fresh summer meal or a pantry full of nutritious dried beans for winter. Your patience and attention will be rewarded with a delicious, homegrown crop.