Lima Bean Seeds - Shantyboat Butterbean
Best heirloom pole bean for gardeners seeking productive, historic varieties.
Discover the Shantyboat Butterbean, a prolific heirloom lima bean variety with distinctive mottled white and red seed coats. This pole bean requires vertical support for optimal growth and is known for its rich lineage, historically grown by riverbank dwellers. For best results, plant seeds directly after the last frost when evening temperatures are consistently above 60°F, ensuring full sun and well-draining soil. Consistent harvesting encourages maximum pod production from this annual vegetable, making it a rewarding addition to your garden.
$4.75
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5871
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-55%
Below average
Minimum Seeds per Packet
16
Who it's for
- Seed savers prioritizing self-sufficiency and genetic diversity
- Gourmet cooks seeking superior buttery flavor and texture
- Small-space gardeners maximizing harvest through vertical growth
Who should skip it
- Growers in regions with short, cool summer seasons
- Beginners unable to commit to regular pest monitoring
- Gardeners wanting low-maintenance, non-trellised planting options
Performance breakdown
Heirloom Authenticity
Rich historical lineage preserved through generations of riverbank cultivation.
Yield Potential
Prolific production rewards gardeners who maintain consistent harvesting habits.
Seed Saving Viability
Self-pollinating nature makes seed collection straightforward for home gardeners.
Growth Complexity
Requires vertical support structures and specific temperature thresholds for success.
Visual Appeal
Striking mottled seed coats offer unique aesthetic value in the garden.
Space Efficiency
Pole variety habit demands significant vertical space and is not container-friendly.
Key Specs
Minimum Seeds per Packet
16
Packet Weight
14g
Planting Season
After Last Frost
Seed Depth
1"
Direct Seed Spacing
3-4"
Sun Requirement
Full Sun
Days to Maturity
80 days
Isolation Distance for Seed Saving
50 feet
Features
- Prolific producer of edible beans
- Distinctive mottled seed coats
- Pole variety requiring vertical support
- Heirloom quality and lineage
- Self-pollinating for seed saving
- Grown by Three Oaks Farm in Florida
- Frost sensitive crop
What customers say
Gardeners overwhelmingly praise the Lima Bean Seeds for their exceptional culinary quality. Reviewers consistently highlight the rich, buttery, and uniquely creamy texture, noting it significantly surpasses standard varieties. This superior flavor drives repeat purchases. Beyond taste, the seeds earn high marks for reliability. Customers report robust and consistent germination, leading to vigorous growth and heavy yields. The successful preservation of this traditional Southern variety also appeals strongly to those interested in seed saving. Overall, the Shantyboat Butterbean is celebrated as a high performing, flavorful, and dependable heirloom seed choice.
Know before you buy
Yes, this is a pole bean variety that requires vertical support to grow properly. You should install a trellis, netting, or poles at the time of planting to accommodate its climbing habit.
Plant these seeds directly into the soil only after the last frost has passed. Ensure that evening temperatures are consistently above 60°F, as this variety is sensitive to cold.
No, this variety is not recommended for container gardening. It requires the space and soil conditions of an in-ground garden bed to thrive.
You can expect to harvest your Shantyboat Butterbeans approximately 80 days after planting. Consistent harvesting throughout the season will help encourage the plant to continue producing more pods.
Yes, because they are an heirloom, self-pollinating variety, they are excellent for seed saving. If you plan to save seeds, maintain an isolation distance of 50 feet from other bean varieties to ensure genetic purity.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$5