When to plant lima bean in New Hampshire
New Hampshire spans USDA zones 5a–6a, 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 6 in Nashua to May 21 in Keene — below are local dates for 15 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 6a | April 30 | October 11 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Nashua | 6a | April 29 | October 8 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Concord | 5b | May 8 | October 3 | May 15 – June 5 |
| Dover | 6a | May 3 | October 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Rochester | 6a | April 30 | October 9 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Keene | 5b | May 14 | October 1 | May 21 – June 11 |
| Portsmouth | 6a | May 4 | October 8 | May 11 – June 1 |
| Derry | 6a | April 30 | October 11 | May 7 – May 28 |
Lima Bean in New Hampshire: FAQ
When can I plant lima bean in New Hampshire?
Across New Hampshire, the time to direct-sow lima bean spans roughly May 6 in Nashua to May 21 in Keene, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the lima bean planting date vary across New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire publishes 15 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 New Hampshire?
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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