Growth & Development of a Lima Bean

Planting

• Lima beans must be planted when the soil temperature is greater than 65 degrees Fahrenheit and all danger of frost has passed for the year. Seeds can also be started indoors in a small cup by filling it halfway with soil, placing the bean on top, and then filling the remainder of the cup with soil. Then pour about ¼ cup of water on the planted seed. Whether planting indoors or out, make sure the seed gets regular water and the soil does not dry out.

Breaking Out

• Once planted, the seed’s roots begin to sprout, taking water and nutrients from the soil and anchoring the plant. This is known as the germination stage, and lasts until the plant emerges from the soil.

Stems and Leaves

• Once the stem emerges from the soil, it continues to grow as it reaches toward the light. The stem then develops leaves. In a lima bean plant, the leaves eventually begin to sprout pods, which hold new seeds. As these pods ripen, they open and drop the seeds, perpetuating the plant for the next growing season if conditions are right.

Beans

• Lima beans are actually the seeds of the lima bean plant, produced in pods. In order to harvest the seeds, pull the pods from the plant when they are full and lumpy, but still green. Beans must then be removed from the pod by gently squeezing on the seam until the beans pop out. Harvest beans so that the plant continues to produce, as unharvested beans left on the plant tell it that its life cycle is over. Greener, younger pods provide more tender lima beans

Experiments

• These beans are a great plant to use in experiments with children. The seed can usually be started by wrapping it in a paper towel and keeping the towel moist. The seed will begin forming roots and the stem will sprout all while still wrapped in the towel. The plant can then be transplanted to soil.