When to plant lima bean in Montana
Montana spans USDA zones 4b–5b, so the right time to plant lima bean shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about May 11 in Billings to June 20 in Butte-Silver Bow — below are local dates for 8 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | 5a | May 4 | October 7 | May 11 – June 1 |
| Missoula | 5b | May 10 | October 1 | May 17 – June 7 |
| Great Falls | 4b | May 6 | October 1 | May 13 – June 3 |
| Bozeman | 5a | May 26 | September 22 | June 2 – June 23 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | 5a | June 13 | September 5 | June 20 – July 11 |
| Helena | 5a | May 9 | September 30 | May 16 – June 6 |
| Kalispell | 5b | May 31 | September 10 | June 7 – June 28 |
| Belgrade | 5a | May 26 | September 16 | June 2 – June 23 |
Lima Bean in Montana: FAQ
When can I plant lima bean in Montana?
Across Montana, the time to direct-sow lima bean spans roughly May 11 in Billings to June 20 in Butte-Silver Bow, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the lima bean planting date vary across Montana?
Yes. Montana publishes 8 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 Montana?
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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