When to plant lima bean in North Dakota
North Dakota spans USDA zones 4a–4b, 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 Fargo to May 28 in Williston — below are local dates for 9 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | 4a | May 4 | October 2 | May 11 – June 1 |
| Bismarck | 4a | May 10 | September 30 | May 17 – June 7 |
| Grand Forks | 4a | May 10 | October 1 | May 17 – June 7 |
| Minot | 4a | May 10 | October 1 | May 17 – June 7 |
| West Fargo | 4a | May 4 | October 2 | May 11 – June 1 |
| Williston | 4a | May 21 | September 21 | May 28 – June 18 |
| Dickinson | 4b | May 20 | September 22 | May 27 – June 17 |
| Mandan | 4a | May 13 | September 27 | May 20 – June 10 |
Lima Bean in North Dakota: FAQ
When can I plant lima bean in North Dakota?
Across North Dakota, the time to direct-sow lima bean spans roughly May 11 in Fargo to May 28 in Williston, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the lima bean planting date vary across North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota publishes 9 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 Dakota?
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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