Lima Bean Growth Stages

Phaseolus lunatus L.

Legume Types

VE • seedling emergence

VC • Two cotyledons & primary leaves at nodes 1 & 2 [Fig. 1]

V1 • 1st trifoliolate leaf unfolded at node 3

V2 • 2nd trifoliolate leaf unfolded at node 4

V3 • 3rd trifoliolate leaf unfolded at node 5

V4 • 4th trifoliolate unfolded at node 6

Vn • nth trifoliolate leaf unfolded at node (n+2)

R1 • One open flower on the plant, early bloom [Fig. 2]

R2 • 50–100% of flowers are open (full bloom)

R3 • One pod at maximum length [Fig. 3]

R4 • 50% of pods at maximum length (mid pod set)

R5 • One pod with fully developed seeds (early seed

fill)

R6 • 50% of pods with fully developed seeds (mid seed fill)

R7 • One pod at mature color (physiological maturity)

RH • 80% of pods at mature color (harvest maturity)

Figure 1 - Two cotyledons & primary leaves at nodes 1 & 2

Figure 2 - One open flower on the plant, early bloom

Figure 3 - One pod at maximum length

Additional Resources

Authors

H.F. Schwartz (Colorado State University) and M.A.C. Langham (South Dakota State University)

Photo credits

Courtesy of R. P. Mulrooney (Univ. of Delaware) [03/10]