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'Fordhook 242' Beans
 
Sub-Category: Bush
Lima
 
Sub-Category 2:
Description: Dwarf bush lima bean with clustered, 3 1/2- to 4-inch pods with 3 to 4 white beans per pod. Outstanding for freezing. All American Selection.
AAS Winner in the year 1945
Days To Maturity: 65-85
Seed Sources: Gurneys Seed & Nursery Co. - updated in 2019
Lake Valley Seed - updated in 2011

 
Rating Summary
 
Overall: (3.2 Stars)Overall
Taste: (4.8 Stars)Taste
Yield: (3.0 Stars)Yield
Ease/Reliability: (2.8 Stars)Ease/Reliability
 
Reviews
 
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Number of Reviews: 4

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Reviewed on 01/17/2009 by Zeedman - An experienced gardener

Overall Overall
Taste Taste
Yield Yield
Ease/Reliability Ease

Winnebago, Wisconsin, United States
Frost Free Season: 143 - 163 days
Soil Texture: Loam
Garden Size: Large - More than 1,600 square feet (40' x 40')
Sun Exposure: More than 8 hours per day

Outstanding flavor, probably the best bush lima. Large, very fat "potato" type. Similar to "King of the Garden" pole, but matures earlier. Unfortunately, they are difficult here; heavy wet soil promotes poor germination, and late Summer rains often destroy much of the ripening seed. They will do well in a warm Summer, but generally need a little more heat & a longer season than I can count on. Small-seeded limas are more reliable.
 
1 of 1 gardener found this review helpful.  

Reviewed on 03/26/2006 by Cowpoke - An experienced gardener

Overall Overall
Taste Taste
Yield Yield
Ease/Reliability Ease

Stokes, North Carolina, United States
Frost Free Season: 143 - 163 days
Soil Texture: Clay
Garden Size: Large - More than 1,600 square feet (40' x 40')
Sun Exposure: More than 8 hours per day

I have tried to grow Fordhook 242 for years without much success. They are healthy and bushy plants that bloom heavily but set few pods. I've tried changing fertilizers (10-10-10; bone meal; Vegetables Alive) and nothing seems to help setting of pods. I have been told that our nights are too hot in NC for proper setting of pods.
 
1 of 1 gardener found this review helpful.  

Reviewed on 08/21/2005 by JET - An intermediate gardener

Overall Overall
Taste Taste
Yield Yield
Ease/Reliability Ease

Maryland, United States
Frost Free Season: 183 - 203 days
Soil Texture: Loam
Garden Size: Small - Less than 400 square feet (20' x 20')
Sun Exposure: 6 to 8 hours per day

standard for limas
 
0 of 1 gardener found this review helpful.  

Reviewed on 01/08/2005 by Charles - An experienced gardener

Overall Overall
Taste Taste
Yield Yield
Ease/Reliability Ease

Virginia, United States
Frost Free Season: 163 - 183 days
Soil Texture: Clay
Garden Size: Large - More than 1,600 square feet (40' x 40')
Sun Exposure: More than 8 hours per day

They are somewhat hard to grow. They are prone to get wet and turn sour in rainy weather. They do freeze well.
 




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