Pole Lima Beans - Ask Extension
I have 14 Doctor Martin pole lima bean plants and have picked 12 quarts of shelled beans. I have a lot of pods 5 to 6 inches long .The pods don't seem...
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Pole Lima Beans #917942
Asked September 18, 2025, 3:56 PM EDT
I have 14 Doctor Martin pole lima bean plants and have picked 12 quarts of shelled beans. I have a lot of pods 5 to 6 inches long .The pods don't seem to be filling in with beans and have noticed some of the pods drying up.Is there anything I should be doing or do I have to just wait. Some people have told me I should start cutting the runners back.
Caroline County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi- that's a good yield from pole limas, which can be finicky in our region (e.g., drop flowers and small pods with hot, dry weather).
Pod and seed development is slowing due to decreased light and cooler temps.
In July and August, pinching the growing tips of main stems when they reach the top of the trellis or fence, forcing side shoots to grow horizontally on the trellis, and removing older lower leaves can help increase production.
Pruning vigorous stems and removing lower leaves could hasten pod and seed growth at this point.
If you are interested in saving seed:
https://cast.desu.edu/sites/cast/files/document/16/pole_lima_bean_seeds_agnr.pdf
Jon
Pod and seed development is slowing due to decreased light and cooler temps.
In July and August, pinching the growing tips of main stems when they reach the top of the trellis or fence, forcing side shoots to grow horizontally on the trellis, and removing older lower leaves can help increase production.
Pruning vigorous stems and removing lower leaves could hasten pod and seed growth at this point.
If you are interested in saving seed:
https://cast.desu.edu/sites/cast/files/document/16/pole_lima_bean_seeds_agnr.pdf
Jon
