Jackson Wonder Bush Lima Bean is a classic Southern heirloom butterbean known for its rich, buttery flavor and beautiful marbled seeds of purple, tan, and cream. This heat tolerant compact, bush-type lima bean was developed by Georgia farmer Thomas Jackson in the late 1800s, near Atlanta, and was introduced commercially around 1888. Selected for its heavy yields, heat tolerance, and easy harvest habit, this variety remains a Southern favorite for home gardeners today.
This dependable heirloom produces abundant pods filled with 3–5 beans each. The compact plants don’t require staking, making them perfect for small gardens or raised beds. The beans are delicious when eaten fresh or dried for soups and stews, offering a rich, buttery flavor that has made Jackson Wonder a staple in heirloom seed collections for over a century.
Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Common Names: Jackson Wonder Lima Bean, Jackson Wonder Butterbean
Latin Name: Phaseolus lunatus
Type: Vegetable
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 3 - 10
Stratification: Not Required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Medium, consistent moisture during growth
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Height: 18 – 24 inches
Spread: 12 – 18 inches
Color: Green pods; seeds are marbled purple, tan, and cream
Bloom Season: Summer
Companion Plants: Corn, carrots, cucumbers, and marigolds
Potential Toxicity: None when cooked; like all beans, avoid eating raw seeds
Climate Adaptability: Warm-season crop; heat tolerant but frost sensitive
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Direct sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperature is at least 65°F.
When to Start Inside:
Not recommended; beans prefer to be direct sown to avoid transplant shock.
Days to Emerge:
7–14 days
Seed Depth:
1 inch deep
Seed Spacing:
3–4 inches apart
Row Spacing:
18–24 inches apart
Hardiness:
Frost-sensitive annual; thrives in warm weather.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
Prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in compost or organic matter. Avoid overly nitrogen-rich soil, which can promote foliage over pod production.
Watering:
Keep soil consistently moist during flowering and pod formation, but avoid waterlogging. Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Light and Temperature:
Requires full sun and warm temperatures (70–85°F) for best yields. Not frost tolerant.
Maintenance:
Very low maintenance. Being a bush type, it does not require trellising or staking. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production.
Container Friendly:
Yes. Can be grown in large, deep containers (at least 12 inches deep) with well-draining soil.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Harvest pods when plump and bright green for shelling beans, or allow them to mature and dry fully on the plant for dry beans. Typically 65–75 days from sowing.
How to Harvest:
Pick pods gently by hand to avoid damaging the plant. For dry beans, wait until pods turn brown and dry before harvesting.
Drying and Storing:
Spread harvested pods in a warm, dry area with good air circulation until completely dry. Remove beans from pods and store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
Edible Use:
Jackson Wonder beans have a buttery, nutty flavor. They can be boiled, sautéed, or used in soups and stews. Excellent as both a fresh-shelling and dry storage bean.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Allow pods to mature and dry on the plant before collecting.
Seed Cleaning:
Remove seeds from pods once fully dry and clean away chaff.
Seed Storage:
Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark location. Seeds remain viable for 3–5 years.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
Flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.
Origin:
Jackson Wonder was developed by Thomas Jackson, a Georgia farmer near Atlanta in the late 1880s, and was introduced commercially in 1888 by seed companies like David Landreth & Sons. It was prized for its bush habit and ease of harvesting without poles or supports.
Nomenclature:
The name “Wonder” reflects its prolific yield and reliability, while “Jackson” honors its creator, Thomas Jackson.
History:
A Southern heirloom dating back to around 1888, Jackson Wonder became popular for its resilience in hot climates and its ability to produce well in shorter seasons. It remains a favorite among home gardeners for its rich, buttery flavor and attractive mottled seeds.
Climate Adaptability:
Thrives in hot, humid, or dry conditions; best suited to warm-season planting. Sensitive to frost.
