VegetableBean
Henderson Lima Bean
Henderson Lima Bean stands as one of America's most beloved heirloom lima varieties, introduced in 1888 by Peter Henderson & Co. and treasured ever since for its early harvests and reliable yields. These compact bush plants reach just 18-24 inches tall, making them perfect for smaller gardens and containers while producing abundant clusters of small, creamy white beans with their signature buttery flavor. Hardy across zones 3-11, Henderson limas mature in about 60-69 days, though some sources report up to 90 days, delivering dependable harvests even in challenging growing seasons.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-11
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam
Growth Stats
24 in
Height
TypeUpright
Spacing
4
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-11
Size
24in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
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Highlights
What sets Henderson apart is its remarkable combination of compact growth and prolific production, earning it the nickname "Baby Lima" for its petite beans packed with rich, buttery flavor. This drought-tolerant variety shines in warm climates while remaining adaptable enough to thrive from zone 3 to 11. The sturdy bush plants resist common bean diseases including bacterial blight and powdery mildew, making them virtually foolproof for beginning gardeners. With its tidy 18-24 inch stature, Henderson transforms even the smallest growing spaces into productive lima bean patches.
Common Uses
Henderson limas excel in both fresh and preserved preparations, with their creamy, buttery texture making them ideal for succotash, casseroles, and hearty soups. The small white beans are prized for canning and freezing, retaining their delicate flavor and smooth texture through preservation. Fresh young beans can be shelled and steamed as a tender side dish, while mature dried beans store beautifully for winter cooking in stews, baked bean dishes, and protein-rich vegetarian meals.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 65°F. Space seeds 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Lima beans do not transplant well and germinate best when planted directly in warm ground.
Harvesting
For fresh eating, harvest when pods are filled and light green, then shell immediately for the tenderest beans. For dry storage, leave pods on the plant until they turn brown and dry, then harvest and shell for long-term storage. Pick pods by hand or snip them off carefully to avoid damaging the stems. If pods are tough to shell, let them dry for a few days in a well-ventilated area before attempting to remove the beans.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Phaseolus lunatus
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Phaseolus
Growth Habit
Upright
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)VI (I)
History & Origin
“Henderson Lima Bean carries the legacy of Peter Henderson & Co., who introduced this exceptional variety to American gardeners in 1888. As one of the earliest commercially available lima bean cultivars, Henderson quickly earned recognition for its reliability and early harvests, becoming a cornerstone variety that has been passed down through generations of home gardeners. This heirloom represents over 135 years of continuous cultivation, proving its worth through countless seasons and establishing itself as a foundational variety in American vegetable gardens.”