Pinetree Garden Seeds Alabama Black Eye Pole Lima Bean

Yes, because this is a pole bean variety with a vigorously climbing vine, it requires a trellis, fence, or poles to support its growth. Providing vertical support will keep the vines off the ground and make harvesting much easier.

It is best to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 75-85ºF. Since these beans are heat-loving, planting them too early in cold soil will likely lead to poor germination.

These beans take 90 to 100 days to reach maturity. You can harvest them when the pods are plump and firm for fresh eating, or leave them on the vine until the pods dry out if you intend to store them as dried beans.

While they are primarily garden-grown, you can grow them in large containers if you provide a sturdy, tall trellis. Ensure the container is deep enough for the root system and placed in a location that receives full sun.

Each packet contains 30 seeds, which is enough to get a productive vertical row started in your garden.

Unlike bush varieties that grow in a compact mound, this pole variety grows as a climbing vine. This makes it more space-efficient for small gardens and generally results in a longer, more productive harvest window.