my LocalPlanting

How to Grow Edamame

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

Get Your Exact Edamame Planting Dates

Enter your ZIP, city, state, or zone for a personalized planting calendar.

Try:

Ready to grow Edamame?

Order seeds from trusted suppliers.

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🌿 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.

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🌾 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

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🪴

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

Edamame Planting Calendar by State

Other Plants

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.