How to Grow Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland'
Wikimedia Commons
Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland'
Phaseolus lunatus
vegetableBaby Lima Bean 'Eastland' is a determinate bush variety that produces small, tender lima beans in pods. This cultivar is prized for its early maturity, compact growth habit, and exceptional flavor. It's ideal for home gardeners with limited space who want a reliable, productive lima bean variety.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland'
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers warm-season growing, plant after last frost
Sign up free to see if Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysCotyledons emerge within 7-10 days; first true leaves develop shortly after. Plant stands 2-3 inches tall.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Protect from strong winds and temperature fluctuations below 60°F. Thin to proper spacing once two true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
20-25 daysCompact bushy plant develops multiple stems and pinnate leaflets. Plant reaches 12-18 inches in height. No flowers yet.
Maintain consistent watering and full sun exposure. Apply mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Side-dress with balanced fertilizer at 3 weeks if needed. Monitor for pests.
Flowering
10-15 daysSmall white or pale pink flowers appear in clusters at leaf axils. Plant appears covered in blooms.
Critical stage—do not allow soil to dry out, as stress causes flower drop. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer which promotes foliage over flowers. Maintain consistent watering schedule. Avoid overhead irrigation.
Pod Development & Maturation
15-20 daysFlower petals drop; small green pods form and begin filling with developing beans. Pods grow to 3-4 inches long and thicken.
Continue consistent deep watering. Pods are heavy and fragile—avoid brushing against plants. Apply balanced fertilizer if growth appears weak. Pick pods regularly to encourage continued production.
Harvest Ready
5-10 days of peak harvestPods are firm, fully developed, 3-4 inches long, and beans inside are full-sized. Pods may show slight bulge where beans sit; pods are bright green.
Harvest regularly to prolong production. Use two hands when picking—support vine while harvesting to avoid damage. Harvest when pods snap cleanly. Can pick for fresh use or allow to mature further for drying.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick yellow egg clusters from leaf undersides. Use row covers for seedlings. Apply spinosad or neem oil for heavy infestations. Encourage native parasitoid wasps.
-
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs and lacewings. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
-
Increase humidity through overhead watering (early morning). Apply miticide or neem oil. Introduce predatory mites. Remove heavily infested leaves.
-
Use row covers on young plants. Hand-pick beetles. Apply spinosad. Remove plant debris where beetles overwinter.
-
Ensure good air circulation through proper spacing. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide. Remove infected foliage.
-
Use disease-resistant varieties. Maintain dry foliage—water at soil level only. Remove infected leaves. Apply sulfur fungicide. Avoid overcrowding.
Uses
Fresh Shell Beans & Cooking
CulinaryBaby lima beans are prized for their tender texture and slightly sweet, buttery flavor when eaten fresh or lightly cooked. Use in succotash, soups, salads, and side dishes. [source]
Drying & Long-Term Storage
CulinaryAllow mature pods to dry on the plant, then shell and store dried beans for year-round use in winter stews, soups, and bean dishes. Dried baby limas maintain excellent flavor. [source]
Nutritional & Protein Content
MedicinalBaby lima beans are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, folate, and iron, supporting plant-based diets and overall nutritional health. They contain polyphenols with antioxidant properties. [source]
Companion Planting & Nitrogen Fixation
HouseholdAs a legume, baby lima beans fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria, enriching soil for subsequent crops and reducing fertilizer needs. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeThe delicate flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators essential for pod set. Plant provides habitat and forage for beneficial garden insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest pods when they are firm and full but still bright green, typically 60-70 days from planting. Pods should snap cleanly and beans inside should feel full. Pick regularly (every 2-3 days) to encourage continuous flowering and fruiting. Use two hands when harvesting—stabilize the vine with one hand while picking with the other to avoid plant damage. For shell beans, allow pods to mature fully on plant until they turn pale and dry slightly, then harvest and shell. Baby limas are best eaten fresh when still tender; refrigerate in pods for up to one week.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Baby lima beans were originally domesticated in Central and South America over 7,000 years ago and were a staple crop of ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations.
- 🌱 The 'Eastland' variety is specifically bred for earlier maturity and determinate (bush) growth, making it one of the best choices for short-season gardeners and those in cooler climates.
- 🌱 Lima beans contain a compound called linamarin that breaks down into hydrogen cyanide if not properly cooked; cooking thoroughly eliminates this compound entirely, making them completely safe and delicious.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Baby Lima Bean 'Eastland' timeline →