Type
pole lima, heirloom
Lima Bean variety
Christmas Lima Lima Bean
A pole lima known for striking red-and-white mottled seed and rich flavor. Vines are vigorous and best in warm climates with a long season.
Days to maturity
90
Best for
dry beans, specialty heirloom growing
About Christmas Lima
Christmas Lima, also called calico or speckled butter bean, is a heirloom pole lima with large, flat seeds boldly marked in cream and deep maroon or chestnut. It is prized for a nutty, chestnut-like flavor and a firm texture that holds up well in cooking, and the vigorous vines tolerate heat better than many large-seeded limas. The striking coloring makes it a standout both in the garden and as a dried bean.
Growing Christmas Lima Lima Bean
Give this pole type a tall, robust trellis and full sun, spacing plants several inches apart along the support. It needs a long, warm season to ripen its big seeds, so it performs best in areas with hot summers and a late first frost. Harvest tender green shellies from plump pods, or let the pods dry fully on the vine so the beans keep their marbled pattern for storage and cooking.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all lima beans, see the complete guide.
How to grow Lima BeansOther lima beans varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.