How to grow king of the garden lima beans?

King of the Garden lima beans are one of my favorite heirloom varieties! These large, meaty beans are actually quite easy to grow if you follow some basic guidelines:

Timing is crucial - wait until soil temperatures reach at least 65°F (18°C). Plant seeds 1-1.5 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. They need full sun and something to climb - I use 6-8 foot trellises since these are pole beans that can reach 10 feet!

Water consistently, especially when flowers and pods are forming. Harvest when pods are well-filled but still green. The beans are absolutely delicious fresh, but they also freeze beautifully. One plant can produce for most of the summer if you keep picking regularly.

For more detailed growing information, the Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Guide has excellent resources.