When to plant lima bean in Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6b–7b, so the right time to plant lima bean shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 7 in Shively to May 8 in Shelbyville — below are local dates for 46 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government | 7a | April 6 | November 1 | April 13 – May 4 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county | 7a | April 13 | October 28 | April 20 – May 11 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 5 | October 31 | April 12 – May 3 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 2 | November 1 | April 9 – April 30 |
| Covington | 6b | April 16 | October 25 | April 23 – May 14 |
| Georgetown | 6b | April 18 | October 23 | April 25 – May 16 |
| Richmond | 7a | April 15 | October 22 | April 22 – May 13 |
| Florence | 6b | April 18 | October 25 | April 25 – May 16 |
Lima Bean in Kentucky: FAQ
When can I plant lima bean in Kentucky?
Across Kentucky, the time to direct-sow lima bean spans roughly April 7 in Shively to May 8 in Shelbyville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the lima bean planting date vary across Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky publishes 46 cities with their own frost dates, so the right lima bean planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does lima bean take to grow in Kentucky?
Lima Bean takes about 65–90 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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