‘King of the Garden’ pole lima bean, certified organic seeds (Phaseolus lunatus)

Name: ‘King of the Garden’ pole lima bean, certified organic seeds ( Phaseolus lunatus )
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Lima bean

Product code : GAIAS-0241

Very vigorous heirloom lima bean, producing four to six large, creamy beans per pod until frost. Organic; 90 days. Read package directions before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-draining substrate and moisten it before planting the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots. Place seedlings in bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to promote balanced growth. When multiple seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully to keep the most vigorous plants without disturbing their roots.

‘King of the Garden’ pole lima bean, certified organic seeds (Phaseolus lunatus) Dating from the 1800s and bred for earliness and bean size, this heirloom continues producing until frost. Highly vigorous vines climb 6 to 10 feet and carry pods containing four to six large creamy lima beans. The packet contains 25 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada. King of the Garden is an annual open-pollinated variety. Kew recognizes Phaseolus lunatus as an accepted botanical species in the Fabaceae family and records its food use. Its long productive season and substantial beans make it an appealing choice for gardeners with a sturdy trellis.

To support germination, soak seeds in warm water for no more than eight hours; Gaia states that a longer soak can prevent emergence. Direct sow after all danger of frost, 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart, with 18 to 36 inches between rows. A temperature of 21 to 35°C, preferably around 27°C, supports germination in approximately 18 days. Install a very sturdy trellis at sowing time. Grow in full sun and fertile warm well-drained soil, then maintain even moisture without standing water. Guide young vines toward their support and keep the root zone weeded while plants establish.

Maturity occurs after approximately 90 days. Harvest well-filled pods for fresh lima beans, or let them reach complete maturity for a dry crop. For dry beans, maintain good airflow so pods can dry on the vines late in the season; finish drying under cover if weather becomes damp. Shell and sort the beans, discarding stained or damaged seeds. Never eat lima beans raw: cook them completely in fresh water until tender. Their creamy texture suits soups, braises, purées, and warm salads. The plants continue producing until frost, and successive sowings every three weeks may extend the fresh harvest where the local season is long enough.

Uses in the garden

Install 'King of the Garden' along a very sturdy trellis, fence, or large stakes in full sun. Allow for up to 3 m in height, easy access for harvesting, and good air circulation around the pods late in the season. Read the packet instructions before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedling uniformly moist without leaving standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots. Place seedlings in bright light immediately after germination and regularly rotate containers to promote balanced growth. If multiple seedlings are competing for the same space, thin carefully to keep the strongest specimens without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimate young plants to wind, sun, and temperature fluctuations over several days. Maintain the recommended spacing so that air circulates between plants and each has sufficient light, water, and nutrients. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry, then adjust the frequency according to the weather, drainage, and container volume.

01 How much does the sachet contain?

The packet contains 25 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada. King of the Garden is an annual, heirloom, open-pollinated variety. Read the instructions on the packet before you start and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their movement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without allowing standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots. Place seedlings in bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to promote balanced growth.

02 How do I start my seedlings?

Soak the seeds in warm water for up to eight hours, then sow them directly 2.5 cm deep after all danger of frost has passed. Read the packet instructions before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-draining substrate, then moisten it before sowing the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedling uniformly moist without leaving standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around the young roots. Place seedlings in bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to promote balanced growth.

03 How long does germination take?

Germination takes approximately 18 days between 21 and 35°C, ideally around 27°C. Do not prolong soaking beyond eight hours. Read the instructions on the packet before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their movement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without allowing standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots. Place the seedlings in bright light immediately after emergence and rotate the containers regularly to promote balanced growth.

04 How do you organize planting in the garden?

Space plants 8 to 10 cm apart, and rows 45 to 90 cm apart. Provide sturdy support for stems 1.8 to 3 m tall. Read the package directions before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-draining substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without letting water stand, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots. Place seedlings in bright light as soon as they emerge and regularly turn containers to promote balanced growth.

05 When should we harvest?

Maturity is reached after about 90 days. Harvest plump pods for fresh beans, or wait until they are completely dry for dried beans. Read the packet instructions before you begin and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-draining substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their movement. Keep the seedlings evenly moist without allowing standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots. Place seedlings in bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to promote balanced growth.