Bean Fordhook 242 Seed
Best bush lima bean for gardeners seeking reliable, high-yield harvests.
Experience the exceptional Fordhook 242 Lima Bean, an All-America Selections Winner renowned for its reliable performance and superior bean quality. This standard bush variety is a prolific producer, yielding plump, thick lima beans that are perfect for any culinary creation. It's an excellent choice for gardeners seeking consistently well-filled pods of delicious beans. While typically a bush type, it may produce short runners in cooler climates. Available in various treated sizes, this variety promises a rewarding harvest for your garden.
$12.89
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 6090
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
+21%
Above average
Maturation Days
74
/ Days
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking space-saving plants without the hassle of staking
- Farmers in regions with intense, scorching summer temperatures
- Home growers wanting dependable results from a proven heirloom variety
Who should skip it
- Gardeners living in regions with short, cool growing seasons
- Planters eager to start seeds in early, chilly spring soil
- Cooks looking for quick, raw-snackable garden vegetables
Performance breakdown
Yield Reliability
Consistent heavy production makes this a staple for any vegetable garden.
Culinary Quality
Plump, thick beans offer superior texture and flavor for home cooking.
Growth Predictability
Standard bush habit ensures manageable growth for most planting environments.
Germination Speed
Rapid sprouting within ten days gets your seasonal harvest started quickly.
Climate Adaptability
Performs best in warmth but may develop runners in cooler conditions.
Ease of Planting
Direct sow method simplifies the process for gardeners of all levels.
Key Specs
Maturation Days
74 Days
Seeding Depth
1.25-1.5"
Germination Days
6-10 Days
Soil Temperature
65-70°F
Spacing in Row
2-4"
Spacing Between Rows
2-3'
Planting Method
Direct Sow
Germination Lighting
Cover Seed
Features
- All-America Selections Winner
- Dependable heavy yielder
- Produces plump, thick beans
- Standard bush variety
- Develops short runners in cool weather
What customers say
Gardeners overwhelmingly praise the Harris Seeds Fordhook 242 Lima Bean for its exceptional reliability and superior yield. Customers consistently report outstanding germination success, confirming the high quality of the seed. The primary delight is the robust harvest of large, plump beans, noted for their classic buttery taste, making them excellent for preservation. Reviewers appreciate the bush habit, which simplifies maintenance as no staking is required, fitting well in smaller spaces. This variety is a highly recommended staple, frequently repurchased due to its dependable performance and consistent delivery of a delicious, high-quality crop year after year.
Know before you buy
These beans typically reach maturity in 74 days after planting. You can expect germination to occur within 6 to 10 days under optimal conditions.
No, these are a standard bush variety and do not require trellising. However, keep in mind that they may develop short runners if grown in cooler climates.
For the best results, direct sow your seeds in full sun when soil temperatures are consistently between 65°F and 70°F. Plant them at a depth of 1.25 to 1.5 inches to ensure proper germination.
Space your seeds 2 to 4 inches apart within the row. To allow for adequate airflow and easy harvesting, maintain 2 to 3 feet of space between each row.
Yes, Fordhook 242 is an open-pollinated variety. This means you can save seeds from your harvest to replant in future seasons, provided they haven't cross-pollinated with other bean varieties.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.