How to grow butter bean
Overview
Butter bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is a productive legume grown for tender green pods or protein-rich dried seeds. Also known as lima bean, it thrives in warm weather and requires consistent moisture and full sun. Regular picking encourages more pods.
Varieties
- Burpee's Best — A reliable bush variety for Australian gardens, producing heavy crops of large white seeds.
- Christmas Lima — An heirloom climbing variety with red-and-white speckled seeds, popular for its nutty flavour.
- Dixie Butterpea — A small-seeded butter bean well-suited to humid subtropical areas.
Soil Preparation
Prefers well-drained loamy soil with pH 6.0–7.0. Enrich with well-rotted compost before planting. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged sites.
Growing Guide
Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep, 20 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart after last frost when soil is at least 18°C. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging. For climbing varieties, install a trellis or teepee support before planting. Pinch out tips when plants reach full height to promote bushier growth.
Sowing
Sow seeds directly in the garden after risk of frost. Soak seeds overnight for faster germination. Plant 2–3 cm deep, 10–15 cm apart, thinning to 20 cm. Germination takes 7–14 days in warm soil.
Care
Feed with a balanced organic fertiliser at planting and side-dress with compost or a light nitrogen fertiliser when flowering begins. Water at the base to avoid foliar diseases. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Companion Planting
Grows well with cucumbers, corn, and summer savory. Avoid planting near onions, garlic, and fennel, which may inhibit growth.
Common Pests & Risks
Watch for bean fly, aphids, and spider mites. Use row covers to protect seedlings from bean fly. Encourage beneficial insects to control aphids. For mites, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Harvesting
Harvest young tender pods when they snap easily, or leave pods on the plant until they turn dry and papery for shelling beans. Regular picking of green pods extends the harvest season.
In the Kitchen
Use fresh green pods in stir-fries or steam as a side dish. Dried shelled beans require soaking and cooking; they are excellent in soups, stews, and succotash. Store dried beans in an airtight container.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: often overwatering or nutrient deficiency; check drainage and apply balanced fertiliser. Pods failing to fill: poor pollination or water stress; ensure consistent moisture during flowering. Brown spots on leaves: fungal disease; improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Seedlings failing to emerge: soil too cold or planting too deep; wait for warm soil and plant at correct depth.