Knowing the difference between Lima Beans (Phaseolus lunatus) is essential before you start planting seeds in your garden. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11, these beans differ in yield and growing methods, which may make you prefer one over the other. (See References 1) Regardless of which type you grow, both are a nice addition to soups, stews and casseroles. Yield InformationBush and pole lima differ in that bush lima ripen approximately 10-15 days earlier. The crops are produced all at once, making them ideal for freezing, and they ripen in just 65-75 days. Pole Limas produce a small amount each day and will continue to do so until frost, as long as it is harvested regularly. Green beans take 85 to 110 days to mature. (See references 2 and 3) Although bush types tend to require less labor, pole types produce more. A 10-foot row of green beans can produce about 8 pounds, while a 10-foot row of green beans can produce about 15 pounds. (See references 4, p. 84) Different growth habits One of the big differences between bush and pol...