Organic 'Henderson Lima' dwarf bean
Organic dwarf lima bean 'Henderson' (Phaseolus lunatus) from the seed company Gaia, an early, productive and reliable heirloom variety
The 'Henderson' Lima bean, introduced in 1889 by the New York-based Peter Henderson Company, is a dwarf heirloom variety, highly productive and disease-resistant . It produces small, creamy-white beans , prized for their tender texture , mild flavor, and excellent quality both in cooking and canning. Early-maturing, robust, and thriving even in less than ideal conditions, its bushy habit makes it easy to grow in the home vegetable garden. A reliable, flavorful Lima bean, appreciated for over a century.
Companion plants : Corn, Carrot, Cabbage, Cucumber, Peas, Radish, Potato, Squash, Nasturtium, Rosemary
Nefarious plants : Alliums, Beetroot
Spread/Habit : Dwarf, bushy
Plant height : 30 to 45 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Introduced in 1889, early maturing, small cream-colored bean, disease-resistant, reliable in difficult conditions
Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Soft, creamy, delicate
Cold tolerance : Not frost tolerant
Farming method
Soak the seeds for a maximum of 8 hours in lukewarm water to speed up germination (longer soaking will result in failure). Sow directly after the last frost , at a depth of 2.5 cm .
Space the plants 7 to 10 cm apart and the rows 45 to 60 cm apart . Germination is slower than that of common beans: approximately 18 days at around 26–27 °C .
Place in full sun (level 3) and water moderately (level 2). For a continuous harvest of fresh beans, sow every 3 weeks .
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the pods and seeds are fully ripe . Allow sufficient air circulation around the plants for proper drying of the pods intended for dried beans.
For preservation, only freeze completely dry beans to avoid altering the texture.
Usage ideas
• In succotash , a classic recipe with lima beans
• In stews or mild simmered dishes
• In a smooth, creamy broad bean purée
• In home preserves
• As a protein-rich plant-based side dish
The Lima 'Henderson' bean is a valuable, tasty and surprisingly resilient heirloom variety, perfect for northern vegetable gardens and gardeners looking for a reliable and productive legume.
