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When to Plant Lima Bean in Fairbanks, Alaska (99708)

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

ZIP Code

99708

USDA Zone

2a

Last Frost

Monday, June 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Monday, June 1, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, June 1, 2026 · Zone 2a

Pro tip: Sow Lima Bean directly outdoors around your last frost date when soil starts to warm.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Phaseolus lunatus
Days to Maturity 75 days
Mature Height 18-24"
Spread 6"
Type Bush
Fruit Size Medium (flat pods)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

6" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

1" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Lima Bean in Fairbanks?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, June 1, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CornSquashCucumberCarrot

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

OnionGarlicFennel
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Lima Bean

See which plants help Lima Bean thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow pods to dry and turn brown on the vine before picking.

Processing

Shell dried pods, cure seeds on screen for 2 weeks, then store in a cool dry place.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Lima beans self-pollinate before the flower opens — easy to keep varieties pure.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Lima Bean. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lima Bean in Fairbanks, Alaska? +

In Fairbanks (Zone 2a), direct sow Lima Bean outdoors around Monday, June 1, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska? +

The average last spring frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska (ZIP 99708) is around Monday, June 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 2a.

How long does Lima Bean take to grow? +

Lima Bean typically matures in about 75 days from direct sowing. In Fairbanks, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, June 1, 2026 plus 75 days.

Should I start Lima Bean indoors or direct sow in Alaska? +

Lima Bean does best when direct sown outdoors. In Fairbanks, sow directly around Monday, June 1, 2026.

Other Plants for Fairbanks

Growing Lima Bean in Zone 2a

Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fairbanks, Alaska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a, you should direct sow seeds around Monday, June 1, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, June 1, 2026. Lima Bean grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.