Although they’re derived from the same species as field soybeans, vegetable soybean cultivars (like edamame) have a larger seed and are generally sweeter and more digestible than field soybeans. Edamame is also harvested at an immature stage when still green, while field soybeans are allowed to dry before being picked.
Similar in size and ease of growth to the green bean plant, the edamame plant generally doesn’t begin flowering until the days begin to shorten after midsummer. For this reason, when determining how to grow edamame, you’ll want to choose a cultivar which will suit the length of your growing season.
Edamame, also known as vegetable soybeans, are a tasty and highly nutritious crop that can be easily grown in containers. With their sweet, nutty flavor and rich protein content, homegrown edamame pods are far superior to store-bought frozen varieties. By cultivating edamame in pots, you can harvest fresh edamame beans right from your own patio or balcony.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process of successfully growing edamame in pots, from choosing the right varieties and containers to plant care, troubleshooting, and harvesting. Follow these tips for a bountiful edamame harvest!
Selecting the Best Edamame Varieties for Pots
When choosing which edamame variety to grow in containers consider the following factors
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Maturity timeline – Pick early-maturing varieties that will be ready for harvest in 70-90 days Late-maturing types won’t have time to fully develop pods before the end of the season,
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Plant size – More compact, bushy edamame plants are ideal for pot cultivation. Tall, vining varieties require much more space.
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Flavor – Standard green edamame offer a mild, nutty taste. Black edamame have a richer, sweeter flavor.
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Climate – Early-maturing green types are best for shorter seasons in northern regions. Black edamame prefer warmer climates with longer summers.
Popular pot-friendly edamame varieties include Lucky Lion, Midori Giant, and Early Hakucho.
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil for Edamame
Edamame plants need roomy containers with nutrient-rich soil for the best results Here are some key considerations
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Pot size – Select a container at least 12 inches wide and deep. Bigger is better to accommodate roots.
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Drainage – Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Elevate pots to improve drainage.
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Pot material – Plastic, ceramic, resin, and wood pots all work well. Avoid dark colors that absorb heat.
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Soil mix – Use a fertile mix of potting soil, compost, and sand for nutrition and drainage.
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Fertilizer – Mix in a balanced organic fertilizer like fish emulsion before planting for a nutrient boost.
How to Plant Edamame in Containers
Once you select your edamame variety and prepare your containers, follow these simple steps:
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Fill pot with moist soil mix, leaving 2 inches from the rim.
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Plant edamame seeds 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart.
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Gently water seeds without washing them away.
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Place pot in full sun, at least 6 hours per day.
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Cover young seedlings if frost threatens.
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Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they reach 2 inches tall.
Caring for Container Edamame Plants
With the right care, your potted edamame plants will thrive on the patio:
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Water 1-2 inches per week, keeping soil consistently moist.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with organic fish emulsion or compost tea once flowering starts.
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Rotate pots to ensure even sunlight exposure.
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Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars. Apply organic treatments if found.
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Weed carefully to avoid disturbing shallow roots. Mulch to suppress weeds.
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Shelter pots from extreme weather like heavy winds or downpours.
When and How to Harvest Edamame Pods
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Check pods daily once they start to plump up, about 70-90 days from planting.
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Use scissors to snip off whole pods once beans fill out pods.
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Harvest pods as they mature every couple days. Don’t let them yellow.
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Pop beans from pods after briefly boiling or steaming pods.
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Enjoy fresh or freeze excess blanched pods for longer storage.
Troubleshooting Common Edamame Growing Problems
Issue | Cause | Solution
When is the best time to plant edamame?
To grow edamame from seed, wait until all chance of frost is over and the soil has warmed to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is usually late spring. Succession planting doesn’t work well for soybeans, as they bloom according to day length and all plants of the same cultivar tend to flower at the same time, no matter when they were sown.
Where can edamame grow?
Not among the shade vegetables, edamame prefers a location in full sun with moderately fertile soil that has a pH between 6 and 6.5. (If treated with rhizobium inoculant appropriate to soybeans, edamame seeds fix their own nitrogen, which means they don’t require soils of high fertility.) Avoid locations where other legumes such as peas or green beans have grown recently to prevent spreading diseases.
Growing Edamame from Seed to Plate | Backyard Soybeans
FAQ
Do edamame need to climb?
Like bush beans, edamame plants reach 1 to 3 feet tall and do not typically require staking.
Do edamame plants need full sun?
Edamame need full sun, warm temperatures, and rich, moist soil for proper growth. Prepare the seedbed by tilling 2 inches of compost or organic matter into the soil. If desired, 1 pound of 16-16-8 or equivalent fertilizer can be applied per 100 square feet. The goal is to have a smooth, fine, weed-free seedbed.