When to plant lima bean in North Carolina
North Carolina spans USDA zones 7a–8b, so the right time to plant lima bean shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 22 in Goldsboro to May 9 in Boone — below are local dates for 96 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 8a | March 30 | November 3 | April 6 – April 27 |
| Raleigh | 8a | March 28 | November 8 | April 4 – April 25 |
| Greensboro | 8a | April 1 | November 4 | April 8 – April 29 |
| Durham | 8a | April 2 | November 4 | April 9 – April 30 |
| Winston-Salem | 8a | March 26 | November 9 | April 2 – April 23 |
| Fayetteville | 8a | March 30 | November 10 | April 6 – April 27 |
| Cary | 8a | March 27 | November 8 | April 3 – April 24 |
| Wilmington | 8b | March 19 | November 20 | March 26 – April 16 |
Lima Bean in North Carolina: FAQ
When can I plant lima bean in North Carolina?
Across North Carolina, the time to direct-sow lima bean spans roughly March 22 in Goldsboro to May 9 in Boone, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the lima bean planting date vary across North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina publishes 96 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 North Carolina?
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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