I've always harvested limas when the pod starts to change color... The beans are usually still hydrated...

I've always harvested limas when the pod starts to change color... The beans are usually still hydrated...

Concur: but you can harvest anytime the beans are large enough to shell out. Henderson's usually sets a second crop after the first is harvested. They don't bear continuosly but in spurts.

I agree that they are good at any stage before they start to dry
We let some of the pods of the colored ones turn slightly and the beans acquire their brilliant color
The grand kids love to shell them and have a contest as to who has found the the prettiest
I get sneaky sometimes and add a few white types
That is lesss we have to shell
Charlie

Thanks everyone, so basically I shouldn't wait until they are too big, but big enough to have a decent sized bean to eat. Guess I'd better start picking !