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Fordhook 242 Bush Lima Bean Heirloom Seeds (Phaseolus lunatus) Early-maturing variety with creamy texture and excellent garden vigor

$2.99
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Minimum: 15+ Seeds

Creamy | Reliable | Early-Maturing

The classic Fordhook 242 Bush Lima Bean is a beloved heirloom variety prized for its rich flavor, creamy texture, and dependable yields. Unlike traditional pole limas, this compact bush type requires no staking, making it a perfect choice for home gardeners seeking convenience and productivity. Known for its early maturity and heat tolerance, Fordhook 242 thrives in a wide range of growing conditions, producing tender beans that are delicious fresh, frozen, or dried.

A staple in Southern gardens and beyond, this tried-and-true variety has earned its reputation as one of the best lima beans for both flavor and reliability.

🌿 Why Grow Fordhook 242 Lima Beans?

✔️ Early Harvests – Matures quickly compared to many lima varieties
✔️ Creamy Texture – Beans cook up smooth and buttery, perfect for a variety of dishes
✔️ Bush Habit – Compact plants don’t require staking or trellising
✔️ Heat & Disease Tolerant – Performs well even in challenging climates
✔️ Versatile Use – Enjoy fresh, frozen, or dried for soups, stews, and sides

🌱 Product Details

  • Botanical Name: Phaseolus lunatus

  • Plant Type: Warm-season annual, heirloom bush variety

  • Days to Maturity: 65–75 days

  • Plant Height: 18–24 inches

  • Spacing: 4–6" apart in rows 24–30" apart

  • Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

  • Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

  • Watering: Consistent, moderate moisture

  • Zones: USDA 3–10 (grown as an annual)

🌼 Growing Tips

  • Sow directly outdoors after last frost when soil temperatures reach 70°F+.

  • Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.

  • Water consistently, especially during flowering and pod development.

  • Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, which promote leaves over pods.

  • Harvest pods when plump and still bright green for the best flavor and texture.

🍲 Uses & Benefits

  • Culinary: Classic lima bean flavor with creamy texture, perfect for soups, stews, casseroles, succotash, and as a side dish.

  • Freezing & Storing: Holds flavor and texture well when frozen, making it an excellent choice for preserving.

  • Nutritional Value: High in protein, fiber, iron, and folate—ideal for plant-based diets.

  • Low Maintenance: Bush habit makes it easy to grow in small gardens or raised beds.

  • Heirloom Reliability: Time-tested for generations with consistent yields.

🏡 Great For:

  • Home vegetable gardens

  • Southern cooking and traditional recipes

  • Freezing or drying for pantry storage

  • Raised beds and compact garden spaces

  • Reliable, no-fuss bean production

✨ Creamy, Reliable, and Classic

Our Fordhook 242 Bush Lima Bean Heirloom Seeds deliver dependable harvests of rich, buttery beans on compact plants that fit neatly into any garden. With their early maturity, creamy texture, and heirloom legacy, these beans are a must-grow for gardeners who want productivity and flavor without the hassle of trellising.