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Heirloom

Willow Leaf White Lima Bean

Quick Facts:

  • Rare heirloom variety introduced in 1891
  • Vigorous plants with willow-like leaves
  • Heat & drought resistant
  • Similar to butterpea/butterbean
  • Smooth & velvety with rich pot liquor

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Quantity: Packet (25 Seeds)

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We ship to all areas of North America including the United States, its territories and outlying islands, and Canada. International orders may incur an additional charge to cover the handling of customs paperwork. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt. Full warranty information can be found here.

Willow Leaf White Lima Bean

More about Willow Leaf White

Phaseolus lunatis

Willow Leaf White is a rare heirloom variety introduced by Burpee in 1891 that produces abundant yields of creamy white lima beans.  Vigorous, vining plants marked by their unique, willow-like leaves look beautiful when grown on an arbor or trellis.  Excellent heat and drought resistance.  Beans are similar in appearance and flavor to a butterpea or butterbean.  Smooth and velvety with a rich pot liquor.  Approximately 90 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.

View the USDA record for Willow Leaf White PI347819

Phaseolus lunatis

Willow Leaf White is a rare heirloom variety introduced by Burpee in 1891 that produces abundant yields of creamy white lima beans.  Vigorous, vining plants marked by their unique, willow-like leaves look beautiful when grown on an arbor or trellis.  Excellent heat and drought resistance.  Beans are similar in appearance and flavor to a butterpea or butterbean.  Smooth and velvety with a rich pot liquor.  Approximately 90 days to harvest.  Each packet cont... read more

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Phaseolus lunatis

Willow Leaf White is a rare heirloom variety introduced by Burpee in 1891 that produces abundant yields of creamy white lima beans.  Vigorous, vining plants marked by their unique, willow-like leaves look beautiful when grown on an arbor or trellis.  Excellent heat and drought resistance.  Beans are similar in appearance and flavor to a butterpea or butterbean.  Smooth and velvety with a rich pot liquor.  Approximately 90 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.

View the USDA record for Willow Leaf White PI347819

Boy holding slice of watermelon
Kids eating watermelon

How to Grow Pole Lima Beans

Lima beans perform best in well-drained soil of normal fertility. Lima beans do not require supplemental nitrogen as they are able to fix their own, however a fall application of well-aged manure or compost will help to boost yields in poor soils. Avoid planting lima beans in low-lying or poor-draining areas as this can predispose seedlings to fungal diseases and damping off.

After the danger of frost has passed and daytime soil temps average at least 60 degrees, sow seeds 1" deep, 2-3” apart in rows 36-60" apart. Support plants with posts and twine or tensile wire. Bamboo/wooden tripods or living trellises such as corn may alternatively be used for support. Avoid planting when cool, wet weather is forecast as this can increase the occurrence of fungal diseases and damping off.

Not recommended for beans

Insect Pests

Mexican Bean Beetles and Japanese Beetles can be controlled using a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution. Pheromone-based Japanese Beetle traps can also be effective at minimizing damage to plants. Finally, selection of tolerant cultivars is important in areas with known insect issues.

Diseases & Other Problems

Consult your local extension office to determine which diseases are most common in your area. Site selection is key in keeping bean diseases at bay. Select well-draining sites that do not have a history of disease. Giving plants ample space will allow leaves to dry more quickly and slow the spread of disease. Remove plant debris in the fall and turn over soil to minimize disease carryover. Avoid planting beans in the same location for at least two years. During hot and dry periods, beans may stop flowering or may drop flowers. Pod production will resume once moisture has returned.

Avoid harvesting beans in the morning before the leaves have dried or after a rain as this can spread disease. Timing the harvest is a matter of personal preference with some preferring to pick the pods while the seeds are still wet and others preferring to allow the pods to dry completely. For dry beans, individual pods may be picked once the pods are pale green to brown in color. Alternatively, entire plants may be pulled once a majority of pods have matured. Allow pods to dry for about four days before shelling. Once shelled, allow to cure for another week. Place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place. Dry lima beans can be stored for several years under these conditions. If vacuum-sealed with a desiccant bag in the container, they will keep for up to 30 years.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Lima beans are self-pollinating plants with perfect flowers that contain both male and female floral organs. Pollination typically occurs before the flower has opened, therefore crossing in beans is fairly uncommon. Isolation distances of a few feet are usually sufficient to prevent cross-pollination, so long as plants are not allowed to intermingle.

HARVESTING SEED:

Lima beans that are being saved for seed are harvested exactly as are dry beans. Pale green or brown pods are pulled and allowed to dry completely. The pods can then be "shelled" or opened to release the beans.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Lima bean seeds will maintain at least 50% germination for four years when stored under ideal conditions.

Bean growing on trellis

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
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T
Tim Nettles

Packaged well, delivered in a timely fashion, about 90% germination. Growing well.

D
David Pritchard
Willow Leaf butterbean Seed

It took a while due to weather issues to plant. Normally I plant 3 seeds to a hill, my dad did, so I do, he would smile and say one each for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. At 65 years old I smile and think back to those days.

I only planted 2 seeds to a hill to maximize the number of hills. I was over whelmed with their germination. They are still popping out. I have already stuck probably in the 95% range and will not be surprised if the other 5% come up.

I was very impressed.

C
Carlton Williams

Up and growing came up and growing real proud

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