Phaseolus lunatus (100 days) Open-pollinated. Bush type. When we first offered this lima in 1999, we wrote, “With global warming apparently bringing later fall frosts to our region, limas are becoming a better bet.” Packer’s was the clear winner among a dozen contestants in our original trial way up north in Parkman, ME. In defiance of the chilly location, its branching bush plants were laden with 3" flat pods that matured in profusion. Our recent taste-tester found these small beans to be a “satisfying delicious blend of mealy and oily, with good bean flavor.” Another said, “Almost too sweet and savory.” If you’ve never experienced fresh baby limas right from the garden, you won’t believe how delicious they can be. Light green-white seed. ①
Packer’s Lima: Our 2025 Seed Without a Price
How do we put a monetary value on seeds–living heirlooms, stewarded for generations, whose stories mirror our own? We continue to challenge ourselves and our customers with this question by offering one variety that has no determined price. Last year we offered Maine Sunset dry bean, and once again many of you responded with thoughtfulness and generosity. The highest price paid per packet was $25 (the lowest was $0.)
This year we invite you to pay what you like for Packer’s lima bean. Once we’ve covered our costs, all profit from Packer’s will go into our Seed Farmers Resilience Fund.
This item is certified organic
323
Packer’s
- Organic
Additional Information
More About Packer’s Lima
Ever grown lima beans? Now’s the time to try! Many Americans are haunted by childhood memories of being forced to eat grey mush called lima beans. But trust us—lima beans fresh from the garden are delectable!
From their origins in the food systems of indigenous people spanning the Americas, limas were selected into two distinct types: the larger-seeded plants of the Andes, and a smaller-seeded type of Mexico and southern U.S. When the Spanish colonized Peru, they exported lots of these beans to Europe, where they arrived in boxes labeled “Lima, Peru.” Europeans called them Lima Beans. In the southern U.S. their moniker Butter Beans describes the rich flavor.
In 1999, in recognition of what we then called Global Warming, Fedco began offering Packer’s to growers in the North, where maturing limas was considered iffy. Twenty-five years later, central Maine is reliably warm enough to mature a nice crop of these well-adapted lima beans. The bean seeds we are selling were grown by organic farmers in Iowa.
Lima Beans
About 30-60 seeds/oz.
Days to maturity are from seeding date
Originally from Peru where they were cultivated 4,000 years ago by the Lima culture.
Culture: Lima beans require more heat than bush beans and are indifferent performers in cold wet summers. Minimum soil temperature 60°, optimal range 70–85°. Tender, will not survive frost. Plant 3–4 seeds/ft in rows 24–30" apart. Plant as other bush or pole beans. Bush limas can be prone to twining (developing viny tendrils). Harvest at shelling stage when beans bulge in fading pliable pods, before pods start to dry out. Pick frequently for maximum yields, but avoid disturbing foliage in wet weather to prevent spread of fungal diseases.
Germination Testing
For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.
Our Seeds are Non-GMO
All of our seeds are non-GMO, and free of neonicotinoids and fungicides. Fedco is one of the original companies to sign the Safe Seed Pledge.
This item is certified organic