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Post by moonlilyhead on Jan 23, 2010 21:15:11 GMT -5
I've only grown Fordhook before, and last year had a big problem with the pods being so thick I coud barely get them open, and the beans were really small.
I'm looking for a fairly small, tender lima in small pods. Growing season length doesn't matter, as I have a pretty long one here.
I'd also like some mildew-resistent ones, since I had that problem, too.
Any suggestions?
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Jan 23, 2010 22:12:33 GMT -5
Sieva.
CFF sent me some in 2008. I planted them the first week of July, worried that it wouldn't give them a long enough season for Zone 5. But I had a bumper crop, right through until frost.
I did save some seed, but I haven't grown them since, so I'd be concerned for their viability at this point. I can test them and see
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Post by paquebot on Jan 23, 2010 23:23:06 GMT -5
If you are having trouble opening Fordhook, and getting small beans, you are harvesting them too early. They are at their peak just before the pods begin turning color. Pods then open easy and beans are at their maximum size. I've got a red one, Pennsylvania Dutch Red, that's bigger and better than Fordhook but most people don't expect limas to be any color but white.
Martin
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Post by moonlilyhead on Jan 24, 2010 15:22:30 GMT -5
Oh, that makes sense, Martin. I probably did do that, but they seemed to be taking so long to get mature. And the pods were so big and thick. We did have a really wet summer, and someone mentioned that could be a cause.
What about pole limas? I don't necessarily have to have bush.
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Post by paquebot on Jan 24, 2010 19:40:19 GMT -5
For pole, there's Florida Speckled and Tricolor which are about the same size as Fordhook. Christmas or Speckled Christmas are a lot bigger but not as prolific. King of the Garden is the giant of the limas with fresh beans being the size of a quarter. Most prolific is White Willow Leaf but also one of the smallest. There are others but I've grown all of those.
Martin
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Post by puttgirl on Jan 26, 2010 22:55:29 GMT -5
For poles, I'd say sieva, too. I've grown king of the lima, big mama and one other (I think), haven't tried my speckled lima yet, though. So far, the best producer was the sieva. Can't really go wrong with henderson's for a bush.
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