Big Frosty Lima Bean, Historic Heirloom of Appalachians

The story of Big Frosty is deeply rooted in the rich tradition of American family seed saving and regional landrace preservation.

• Breeding & Lineage: Heirloom seed historians and growers note that Big Frosty is believed to be a natural or selected cross between King of the Garden (a classic 19th-century large white pole lima prized for sweet flavor) and Christmas Lima (the legendary large, maroon-and-white speckled heirloom).
• Appalachian Roots: It was documented in agrobiodiversity inventories—including field research by Dr. James Veteto and the Southern Seed Legacy project—among rare, place-based pole beans conserved across the Southern and Appalachian regions by dedicated family seed savers.

Big Frosty is an absolute powerhouse of flavor and beauty, combining ornamental climbing vigor with incredible culinary rewards.

• The Vine & Pods: Vigorous pole-climbing vines that readily scale tall trellises, fences, or poles (often yielding heavily in warm southern and mid-season climates), producing abundant clusters of long, heavy pods.
• The Seeds & Flavor: Inside the pods lie very large, flat seeds combining attributes of its historic parents—typically featuring white or cream bases with mottled speckled patterns and heavy seed-coat "frosting."
• Culinary Uses: Like other large heirloom limas, Big Frosty yields large, rich green-shell or dried butterbeans with a remarkably creamy, potato-like texture and buttery flavor. Perfect for fresh summer succotasks, traditional soups, or hearty stews.

Big Frosty is a productive, heavy-yielding pole climbing crop tailored for gardeners seeking premium heirloom quality and abundant harvests.

"Big Frosty is a true masterpiece of the heirloom bean world. We love it because you get massive, incredibly rich and creamy lima beans with a potato-like texture, born from a fascinating lineage of classic southern heirlooms. It turns any garden fence into a stunning edible wall of agricultural history."

• Warm Soil Direct Sowing: Direct sow seeds outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed and soil has thoroughly warmed to at least 65°F (18°C). Lima bean seeds are sensitive to rotting in cold, wet spring soil.
• Provide Strong Support: Because these are vigorous climbers reaching 7 to 9 feet or more, set up sturdy poles, teepees, or netting trellis systems before planting.
• Consistent Moisture & Sun: Plant in full sun with well-draining, fertile garden soil. Keep soil evenly moist during flowering and pod set to ensure maximum yields of plump, tender beans.