Cangreen, Baby Bush Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus)

Cangreen, Baby Bush Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus): A beloved heirloom vegetable, Bush Lima Beans bring a touch of nostalgia to home gardens. Their creamy texture and subtle sweetness make them a versatile addition to various dishes.

Often called “butterbean” or “baby lima” in the South, these versatile beans are perfect for canning or freezing. Bush Lima beans are easy to grow and thrive in a variety of soil types. This annual plant has a long growing season, extending from spring into summer. However, it is frost-sensitive and should be planted only after the risk of frost has passed, with soil temperatures reaching at least 65°F. The bushes grow to about 18 inches in height.

Fun Facts About Cangreen Baby Bush Lima Bean:

Compact Growth: Unlike other types of lima beans that are typically vining, the Cangreen Baby Lima Bean is a bush-type plant. This means it grows in a more compact, upright form, usually around 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall, making it perfect for smaller garden spaces or containers.

Early Harvest: One of the standout features of this variety is its early maturity. The Cangreen Baby Lima Bean is ready to harvest in about 60 to 75 days, which is faster than many other lima beans, making it ideal for gardeners who want a quicker return on their crops.

Delicious Flavor: The beans have a creamy, buttery texture when cooked, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. This makes them a favorite in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles, or simply as a side dish with a little butter and seasoning.

Ideal for Small Gardens: Due to its bush-type growth habit, this bean variety is perfect for smaller garden spaces, such as raised beds, urban gardens, or even container gardens. It requires no trellis or support structure, making it easy to manage.

Nutrient-Packed: Like other beans, Cangreen Baby Lima Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re also rich in potassium, iron, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals that support heart health, digestion, and overall well-being.

Multiple Uses: These beans can be harvested while young and green (for fresh eating) or left to mature and dry for long-term storage. Dried beans can be stored for months and used in soups, stews, or other recipes during the colder months.

Low Maintenance: The Cangreen Baby Lima Bean is relatively easy to grow. It doesn’t require as much care as other crops, making it a great option for beginner gardeners. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, it's quite drought-tolerant.

Great for Companion Planting: Like all beans, Cangreen Baby Lima Beans are nitrogen-fixing, which means they improve soil fertility by converting nitrogen from the air into a form that other plants can use. This is particularly beneficial for companion planting with other crops like tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens.

Disease Resistance: This variety tends to be resistant to common bean diseases, which makes it a good choice for organic gardening. It's less likely to suffer from issues like rust or mildew, which can affect other types of beans.

Attractive Pods: The pods of the Cangreen Baby Lima Bean are a pale green color and easy to harvest. The beans inside are typically green, making them visually appealing as well as delicious when prepared.

Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers of the Cangreen Baby Lima Bean plant are attractive to bees and other pollinators, helping to support local pollinator populations and promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.

Good for Freezing: If you have a bumper crop of Cangreen Baby Lima Beans, they freeze beautifully! After blanching, the beans can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer, allowing you to enjoy them long after the growing season has ended.

Heat Tolerant: While they appreciate regular moisture, Cangreen Baby Lima Beans are quite heat-tolerant once established. They grow well in warmer climates and are a great choice for summer gardens.

Versatile in Cooking: Whether used in classic dishes like succotash, mixed into a bean salad, or pureed into soups, the creamy texture and mild flavor of Cangreen Baby Lima Beans make them highly versatile in the kitchen.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: As a legume, this variety of lima bean helps improve the soil by fixing nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Growing beans like this is a sustainable practice that benefits both your garden and the environment.

The Cangreen Baby Bush Lima Bean is a high-yielding, versatile, and easy-to-grow crop that brings delicious, creamy beans to your table. Whether you have a large garden or a small container, this variety is a great option for home gardeners looking to enjoy fresh beans or stock up for the future!