Bean Lima Fordhook Bush 242 produces 3 to 5 tasty, large, plump, pale green seeds per 4-inch pod. Plants grow to 15 to 20 inches tall. Sturdy, upright bush-type plants set pods that are easy to pick and shell. Heavy yields from mid-season to frost. Prolific even during drought and heat — making it perfect for growing in the South. An All-American Selections Winner recognized for outstanding garden performance.

Germination Rate: 80%. Test Date: 3/26. WILL.

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 70%.

Why Choose Bean Lima Fordhook Bush 242?

• Heirloom Seed: Passed down through generations for at least 75 years for reliable harvests and authentic flavor.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA structure has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.
• All-American Selections Winner: Recognized for outstanding performance and reliability in home gardens across the country.
• Heat & Drought Tolerant: Prolific even in hot, dry conditions — one of the best lima beans for Southern gardens.
• Heavy Yields: Sturdy bush plants produce abundantly from mid-season to frost — easy to pick and shell.
• Large, Plump Seeds: 3–5 large seeds per 4-inch pod — exceptional fresh-eating and freezing quality.
• Easy to Grow: Forgiving of small mistakes — a great choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

Planting Tips for Success

• When to Plant: Direct sow outdoors after last frost when soil temps reach 65°F. In Texas and warm climates, sow again in late summer for a fall harvest.
• Sunlight: Full sun — at least 6–8 hours per day for best growth and pod production.
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Lima beans fix their own nitrogen — avoid over-fertilizing.
• Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1–1.5 inches deep, 3–4 inches apart.
• Spacing: Thin to 6 inches apart in rows 24–30 inches apart.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during germination and pod fill. Avoid overhead watering once flowering begins.
• Support: No staking needed — compact bush plants are self-supporting.
• Fertilizing: Minimal fertilization needed — lima beans fix atmospheric nitrogen. A light balanced fertilizer at planting is sufficient.
• Harvesting: Harvest pods when seeds are plump and pods feel full but still green — about 70–80 days. For dried limas, allow pods to dry fully on the vine.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Great Customer Service: David answers all customer service questions. Usually within a few minutes.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Fresh Shelled: Shell and boil fresh lima beans for 20–25 minutes with butter and salt — a classic Southern side dish.
• Succotash: Combine cooked limas with corn, peppers, and onions for a traditional American succotash.
• Soups & Stews: Add shelled or dried limas to soups, stews, and bean chilis for hearty, protein-rich depth.
• Sautéing: Sauté shelled beans in olive oil with garlic and fresh herbs for a quick, flavorful side.
• Freezing: Blanch fresh-shelled limas for 2–3 minutes, cool in ice water, and freeze for a year-round supply.

Order Fordhook Bush 242 Lima Bean Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own fresh lima beans in your spring and fall gardens.

Nutritional Information

Per ½ cup (85g) cooked lima beans (harvested beans, not planting seeds):

• Calories: 108
• Total Fat: 0.4g (1% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 14mg (1% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g (7% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 7g (25% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 7.3g
• Folate: 78mcg (20% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2.2mg (12% Daily Value)
• Magnesium: 63mg (15% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 485mg (10% Daily Value)

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Heirloom varieties may exhibit natural variation in size, color, and maturation. Results may vary based on growing conditions, climate, and gardening practices.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Properly stored lima bean seeds remain viable for 3–4 years.
• Planting Zones: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3–10. Lima beans require warm soil and a long growing season. Consult your local extension service for zone-specific planting guidance.

Grow something beautiful. Grow something delicious. Grow with David's Garden Seeds®.