What hardiness zones is Phaseolus lunatus 'Fordhook 242' suitable for?

Phaseolus lunatus 'Fordhook 242' is an annual vegetable reaching 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and an upright, bushy, compact habit—a bush lima requiring no support. Developed by W. Atlee Burpee & Company in 1945 and an AAS winner the same year, it produces thick, plump, pale green seeds (butter beans) 3-4 per pod in flat, thick-walled pods 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) long. Rich, buttery, creamy flavor—the standard butter bean. Days to maturity 70-80 from direct sow. Growth rate is moderate to fast. More heat-tolerant than most limas—sets pods at higher temperatures. The '242' refers to the trial number in Burpee's breeding program.

Native Range

Phaseolus lunatus originated in Central and South America. 'Fordhook 242' was developed by W. Atlee Burpee & Company in 1945. AAS winner 1945.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—succotash, soups, side dish, casseroles. Standard butter bean—rich buttery creamy flavor. Bush habit—no support. AAS 1945. Heat-tolerant. 70-80 days. Burpee. Plump pale green seeds. Raw lima beans contain linamarin—must be thoroughly cooked. Not suitable for dry bean storage (best fresh or frozen).

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Christmas' by the bush (versus pole climbing) habit, the pale green (versus cream-and-maroon) seeds, the buttery-creamy (versus chestnut-nutty) flavor, and the faster maturity (70-80 versus 80-110 days). Distinguished from common bush beans (P. vulgaris) by the larger, flat, plump (versus smaller, elongated) seeds. Fordhook 242—bush lima, standard butter bean, pale green plump, AAS 1945, heat-tolerant, Burpee 1945.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Small white papilionaceous flowers in clusters. Self-pollinating. Continuous flowering from midsummer if warm.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; small papilionaceous; clusters

Foliage Description

Medium green; trifoliate; on compact bushy 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

70-80 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow after all frost danger when soil is warm 65-70°F (18-21°C). Full sun, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Nitrogen-fixing—minimal fertilizer. Consistent moisture during flowering and pod fill. Days to maturity 70-80 from direct sow. More heat-tolerant than most limas. Harvest when pods are plump and bright green. Bush habit—no support needed.