Mark Pole Lima Bean Seeds | Heirloom Climbing Bean

Give a sunny garden space to Mark beans, a climbing heirloom lima type with richly colored, mottled beans. Grow the vigorous vines up a sturdy fence or trellis, then enjoy the young pods and beans fresh or let the crop mature for dry beans. This is a bean for gardeners who love a striking harvest as much as a productive one.

At a glance

• Type: Pole lima-type bean
• Habit: Vigorous climbing vines that need strong support
• Color: Purple and black mottling; coloring can vary
• Light: Full sun
• Growing zones: USDA zones 3–9, grown as a warm-season annual
• Germination: Approximately 6–10 days in suitable conditions

Planting and care

Direct sow once the risk of frost has passed and soil is at least 65°F. Plant seeds 1–1½ inches deep in full sun. Sow about 1 inch apart, then thin to roughly 3 inches between plants, leaving 2–3 feet between rows. Keep the soil evenly watered without letting it become waterlogged. Set up a strong trellis or fence before the vines take off.

Harvest

Pick young pods regularly for fresh use, which also encourages continued production. For dry beans, leave pods to mature and dry before shelling. Growing and harvest timing will vary with your conditions, especially because this warm-season bean does not tolerate cold soil.

Available sizes: 20-seed packet, 50 seeds, and 100 seeds.