Lima Bean: Hopi Red, Pala Hatíqo
(Phaseolus lunatus)

Phaseolus lunatus is a vining (indeterminate) or bush-type (pseudo-determinate) legume from Central and South America. Vining types are vigorous, perennial, and reach 2-6 m in length. Bush-type cultivars are annuals and reach heights of 0.25-1 m. Leaves are trifoliate, present alternately on the stem, and range from pubescent to glabrous. Inflorescence can reach 15 cm in length and bear up to 25 white-to-violet flowers. Pod lengths are 5-12 cm and contain 2-4 seeds each. Pod and seed shape, size, and color are highly variable and dependent upon cultivar.

The Hopi Red Lima is believed to have originated in Mexico and south-western areas of the United States and was stewarded by the Hopi Native Americans. The vines produce small pods that contain red lima bean seeds. This variety was selected by a Hopi Native American artist named Fred Kabotie. Tasty and meaty, the beans are solid red but may have some black streaks. From the high desert.

Hopi Red Lima seeds should be planted directly into the prepared soil rather than transplanting. Flowering begins 70-100 days after sowing. Dry beans are ready for picking after 6-8 months. Hopi Red Lima bean is susceptible to root-knot nematodes though it does continue to persist with infected roots. It is also susceptible to fungal diseases in wet seasons. Pods and beans can be damaged by true bugs of the order Heteroptera.