Lima Beans – Fordhook 242

Description

Fordhook 242 Lima Bean (a.k.a. Mammoth Wonder Bush, Fordhook Improved, and Potato Lima)

25 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 70–75 Days

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Botanical Name: Phaseolus lunatus

Fordhook 242 is a beloved heirloom bush-type lima bean introduced in 1945 as an improved selection of the old Fordhook Lima. Compact plants reach sixteen to twenty inches tall and produce abundant, broad, thick pods measuring three and a half to four inches long and one to one and one-quarter inches wide. Each pod typically holds three to four large, thick, oval, greenish-white seeds with a creamy, buttery texture and nutty flavor.

Celebrated for its dependability, Fordhook 242 thrives in hot, dry weather, setting pods even in temperatures above 100 degrees, while also performing well in northern and maritime climates. This variety was honored with the All-America Selections Bronze Medal in 1945 for its outstanding productivity, vigor, and flavor. Known as an easy sheller, it is highly versatile—excellent fresh, cooked, frozen, canned, or dried.

Beyond its flavor and adaptability, Fordhook 242 is a nutritious choice. A single cup of cooked beans provides over ten grams of protein, nearly nine grams of dietary fiber, and a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including folate, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins. Low in fat yet rich in nourishment, this heirloom butterbean remains a gardener’s favorite for reliability, flavor, and heritage.

Planting Instructions for Fordhook 242 Bean Seeds

When to Plant:
Fordhook 242 is a warm-season heirloom bush lima that should be planted after the danger of frost has passed. Wait until soil temperatures reach at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit for strong germination. If the soil is still cool at the frost-free date, delay planting until it warms, or use a greenhouse or hoop house for earlier starts. Fordhook 242 is one of the most dependable bush limas, maturing in about 70 to 80 days depending on climate, and tolerates cooler conditions better than most limas.

Where to Plant:
Select a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This bean thrives in loamy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Raised beds or ridged rows are recommended in heavier soils. Rotate plantings yearly and avoid planting in the same bed two years in a row to prevent disease buildup.

How to Plant:
Direct-seed outdoors, as lima beans do not transplant well. Plant seeds one to one and a half inches deep in warm, moist soil. Space seeds three to six inches apart in rows set twenty-four to thirty-six inches apart. As a bush type, Fordhook 242 does not require staking, but plants may benefit from light support to keep pods off the ground. For faster sprouting, soak seeds in water for one to two hours before planting, though avoid longer soaking to prevent seed splitting. Thin seedlings to eight to ten inches apart once established.

Watering and Care:
Keep soil evenly moist, providing about one inch of water per week, particularly during flowering and pod set. Water at the base of plants to keep leaves dry. Mulching after the soil has warmed helps conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Fordhook 242 is hardy and tolerant of a range of conditions, but it performs best in warm weather between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Fertilizer is seldom needed, though a light side dressing of compost midseason may improve yields.

Companions and Cautions:
Good companion plants include corn, cucumbers, potatoes, and summer savory. Avoid planting near onions, garlic, or chives, which may stunt growth. Common pests include aphids, bean beetles, and spider mites. Practice crop rotation and maintain proper spacing to help reduce diseases such as anthracnose, rust, or blight.

Harvesting:

• For fresh eating: Harvest pods when they are well filled and green, but before they begin to yellow. Regular picking encourages continued pod production.

• For dry storage: Leave pods on the plants until they are tan, dry, and brittle, and seeds rattle inside. If frost or wet weather threatens, pick pods or pull whole plants and hang them indoors to finish drying.

Storage and Preservation:
Fresh pods will keep in the refrigerator for one to two weeks. Shell beans may be blanched and frozen or pressure-canned for long-term storage. Fully dried beans store best in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry place, where they remain usable for up to two years.

Seed Saving:
Fordhook 242 is self-pollinating, but slight cross-pollination with other limas is possible. Isolate different lima varieties by at least twenty feet to preserve purity. Save seed from the healthiest plants, selecting pods that are fully mature and free of pest damage. Dry shelled beans thoroughly in a single layer until hard. Store in airtight jars or seed saving envelopes in a cool, dry location. Properly dried seed remains viable for planting for two to four years.

End of Season Clean-Up:
After harvest, remove and dispose of plant debris to reduce overwintering pests and disease. Do not compost infected plants. If nematodes are found on roots, rotate crops and avoid planting beans in the same soil until conditions improve.

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