Sadie's Baby Lima

This beautiful lima bean was preserved by the late Sadie Kriebel (1906 - 1998) of Palm, Pennsylvania. A member of the Schwenkfelder Sect, she was a well-known farmer in the Dutch Country, especially noted for her colorful food demonstrations and traditional costumes at the Kutztown Folk Festival. Ms. Kriebel would make chow chow from these beans in the shelly stage when the seed is red and white. Plants climb up to five feet.

Days to maturity: 65-90

Seeds per pack: 20

Germination rate: 96% on 12/27/2023

Planting / harvesting notes

Plant in warm soil at least a couple weeks after the last danger of frost has passed. Sow directly in the ground at a depth of one inch, spaced every few inches in rows 12 inches apart. Thin to one plant every four to six inches.

Seed keeping notes

Lima beans are self-pollinating, though it is best to isolate different varieties of P. lunatus by at least 150 feet to avoid unwanted cross-pollination from flying insects. For seed saving, harvest the beans when their shells have become dried and crispy on the plants. Lay out the pods in a dry, sunny place to dry down further. Shell the beans and lay out the seeds in a well ventilated place away from direct sunlight for at least another few days to a week before storing for next year.

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