BeSweet Edamame

Edamame requires well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5 and at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Edamame is a warm-season crop and requires soil temperatures of at least 60°F to germinate. Adequate moisture is necessary for optimal growth, but the soil should not be waterlogged.

Sow seeds outdoors approximately two weeks after average last frost date, once temperatures have warmed. Plants seeds 1" deep, 2" apart in rows 24" apart. After germination has occurred (approx. 10 days) thin to one plant every 4". Avoid touching plants when wet as this can spread disease.

Not recommended

Insect Pests

While rarely a problem, the most common pests to affect edamame are bean leaf beetles, stink bugs, aphids, soybean cyst nematode, and the soybean pod borer. To prevent infestations, it is essential to monitor the plants regularly, use physical barriers like row covers, and treat or remove affected plants. Introducing or attracting beneficial insects such as ladybugs can also help to control populations.

Diseases & Other Problems

Edamame is generally healthy and easy to grow however it can be vulnerable to several diseases, including powdery mildew, bacterial blight, and root rot. To prevent and manage these issues, it is essential to maintain proper plant health by providing adequate nutrition, irrigation, and pest control measures. Crop rotation and proper tillage or fall cleanup can also be effective strategies to minimize the impact of diseases and other problems on edamame crops. Finally, soybean seeds require a minimum soil temperature of 60 degrees for germination. Seeds sown in cold, damp soil germinate slowly and are prone to damping off.

Edamame pods should be harvested when they are plump and have reached full size, but before they start to turn yellow or brown. The pods can be picked by hand or using a machine, taking care not to damage the plants. After harvesting, the pods should be cooled quickly to maintain their quality and then either blanched and frozen or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is essential to handle the pods gently to prevent bruising and to store them in a well-ventilated container to prevent mold growth.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Soybeans are inbreeding plants with small, self-fertile flowers that usually complete pollination before opening. It is therefore not necessary to isolate varieties to prevent cross-pollination. It may, however, be prudent to separate indeterminate, or tall varieties, by several feet to prevent accidental mixing of seed during harvest.

HARVESTING SEED:

When soybeans are approaching physical maturity, the leaves will turn yellow and begin to drop from the plant. When this process is nearly complete, pull entire plants and place on a tarp to finish drying. Seeds shatter easily from the pods. Stomp on the fully dried plants to release the seeds. Pour into a tray or bucket and winnow to remove any debris. Allow to dry for another week before storing in an airtight container.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Soybean seeds remain viable for three years when stored under ideal conditions.