The Time of Year to Grow Edamame

Germination

• Soybeans will not germinate readily when soil is too cool. Wait until soil reaches 55 to 65 F in spring before planting. Seeds potentially can germinate at between 60 and 90 F, but the optimum temperature is 85 F. Well-drained soils are best for early planting because they heat up quicker. Depending on your region, it may be appropriate to plant in early spring or as late as June. According to the National Soybean Research Laboratory, May planting often results in the highest yields.

Growth

• Allow edamame to grow unchecked for best results, providing it with plenty of sunlight, heat and moisture through the summer. The plants should grow for 70 to 120 or more days from planting date before being ready for harvesting. Harvest date varies by location because soybean is day-length sensitive. In some northern regions with long summer days, harvest may take 25 to 40 days longer than in more southern regions. The crops generally are harvested in summer and fall.

Growth Requirements

• Edamame needs evenly moist and fertile soil. Cold, wet soil will inhibit germination. To ensure emergence, plow and smooth out the soil to form an even seed bed and avoid puddles and flooding. Provide extra nitrogen fertilizer if leaves appear to be yellowing, especially early in its development, although as a legume, the plant should be able to obtain some of its own nitrogen. A pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal.

Harvest

• The best time to harvest is when the edamame pods are plump and beans are almost touching. They should appear bright green, without any signs of yellow. The best flavor may be around for only a few days, so pay close attention when harvest time nears. Remove pods individually or cut down the whole plant at once. The Envy cultivar can be harvested in as little as 75 days, while Sayamusume has a longer growing season of 92 days or more.