How High Does an Edamame Plant Get?

Plant Description

• Edamame plants grow similarly to standard green bush beans. They are not vining plants, and thus require no staking or support structure. At maturity, edamame plants reach at maximum height of about 12 to 36 inches, depending on the variety. Because of their compact build, the plants can be spaced close together, typically 2 to 4 inches apart. Bunches of pods form along the stems of edamame plants. Each pod is covered tiny, delicate hairs than range from white to brown.

Growing Season Length

• In order to ensure that an edamame plant grows to maturity and reaches its full size, it is essential to consider the length of its growing season. Although some varieties reach maturity in 70 to 80 days, others need 100 or more days. The number of days to maturity can fluctuate with regional growing conditions. For example, Washington State University Vegetable Research and Extension harvested edamame beans at 113, 123, 119 and 114 days after planting for plants with estimated maturity dates of 70, 72, 75 and 75 days, respectively. Therefore, plant edamame as early as possible after the danger of frost passes.

Planting Method and Ongoing Care

• When there is no risk of frost and the soil temperature warms to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it is safe to sow edamame seeds outdoors. Select a planting site with full-sun exposure, space the seeds 2 to 4 inches apart and cover them with a 1-inch layer of soil. In a dry area, adding a layer of hay or straw mulch will help retain soil moisture as well as reduce weed problems. Edamame plants grow well in most soils, although a 10-20-20 fertilizer applied six weeks after planting ensure continued healthy growth and development of edamame plants to maturity. Few pests are known to attack edamame plants; however, row covers may be used to control insects such as bean beetles and stinkbugs.

Harvesting Procedure

• A short harvest window of three to seven days exists to pick edamame beans at their peak level of sweetness. Harvest can be estimated to take place about one month after the plants flower. At harvest, the pods should be bright green and 85 to 90 percent full of beans. Each mature edamame plant produces as many as 30 pods, with two beans on average per pod. Pods that turn yellow are past their prime levels of nutrients and flavor. For the best results, pick pods while they are still green and before they are 100 percent full.