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How to Grow Edamame

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Edamame (Glycine max)

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Amazon True Leaf

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Supplies You'll Need

Raised Garden Bed Vegetable Garden Soil Hand Trowel Set Watering Can

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Plant Overview

Scientific Name Glycine max
Category vegetable
Days to Maturity 80 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

Growing Requirements

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

Spacing

6" apart

Depth

1" deep

Height

18-30"

Germination

6-10 days

Ready to Grow Edamame?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

Buy on Amazon True Leaf Market

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Seed Saving Guide

Easy
Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let pods mature past the green edamame stage — pods will dry and turn tan on the vine.

Processing

Shell dried pods, cure seeds on a screen for 2 weeks to fully dry.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Soybeans are self-fertile before flowers open — highly recommended as a beginner seed crop.

Seed Storage Supplies

Seed Envelopes Mylar Storage Bags Silica Gel Packets Seed Organizer

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Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Edamame. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Edamame Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Edamame Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Edamame? +

Sow Edamame seeds directly in the garden 2 weeks after your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Edamame take to grow? +

Edamame typically matures in about 80 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Edamame indoors or direct sow? +

Edamame does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Edamame need? +

Edamame requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Edamame? +

Space Edamame plants 6 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Edamame need? +

Edamame has regular (1-2 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Edamame? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Edamame is rated easy. Let pods mature past the green edamame stage — pods will dry and turn tan on the vine. Shell dried pods, cure seeds on a screen for 2 weeks to fully dry.

How long do Edamame seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Edamame seeds remain viable for up to 4 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Edamame seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Edamame is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Edamame

Japanese-style fresh soybeans harvested young. High protein crop. Fixes nitrogen in soil. Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm.

Expect your Edamame to be ready for harvest in approximately 80 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.