What hardiness zones is Phaseolus lunatus 'Christmas' suitable for?

Phaseolus lunatus 'Christmas' (also known as 'Chestnut') is an annual vine reaching 8-10 feet (2.4-3 m) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and a vigorous, twining, climbing (pole) habit. An heirloom lima bean, it produces large, flat, kidney-shaped seeds 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) long with a distinctive cream-white base splashed with deep maroon-red (the 'Christmas' pattern—resembling festive coloring). Rich, chestnut-like, nutty flavor—among the most flavorful lima beans. Days to maturity 80-90 from direct sow for green shell, 95-110 for dry beans. Growth rate is fast. Requires a long warm season. The maroon-red coloring fades with cooking—seeds turn uniformly tan-brown.

Native Range

Phaseolus lunatus originated in Central and South America—Peru and Mesoamerica. 'Christmas' (also 'Chestnut') is a traditional heirloom.

Suggested Uses

Grown on poles or trellises for culinary use—green shell beans, dry beans, soups, succotash. Chestnut-nutty flavor. Large cream-and-maroon seeds. Heirloom. Pole type—requires support. 80-110 days. Long warm season. Maroon color fades with cooking. Raw lima beans contain linamarin (cyanogenic glycoside)—must be thoroughly cooked. Not suitable for short-season or cool-summer climates.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Fordhook 242' by the climbing pole (versus bush) habit, the larger seed, the cream-and-maroon coloring (versus pale green), the chestnut-nutty (versus buttery) flavor, and the longer maturity. Distinguished from common beans (P. vulgaris) by the large, flat, kidney-shaped (versus smaller elongated) seeds. Christmas lima—cream splashed maroon, chestnut-nutty, pole type, longest season lima, heirloom, color fades cooked.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 10'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer

Small white to pale green papilionaceous flowers in clusters. Self-pollinating. Continuous flowering midsummer through fall if temperatures remain warm.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pale green; small papilionaceous; clusters

Foliage Description

Medium green; trifoliate; on vigorous twining stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

80-90 days (green shell); 95-110 days (dry beans)

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow after all frost danger when soil is warm 65-70°F (18-21°C)—limas are more heat-demanding than common beans. Provide sturdy support 8-10 feet (2.4-3 m). Well-drained, fertile soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Nitrogen-fixing. Consistent moisture during flowering and pod fill. Days to maturity 80-90 for green shell, 95-110 for dry. Long warm season required. Harvest green shell when pods are plump, or dry on vine for storage beans.