How to Grow Edamame - Tips for a Successful Harvest

By Blake Jackson

Edamame, a soybean variety harvested early for direct consumption, is gaining popularity in the United States. Unlike the oilseed soybeans common in Missouri, which ranks seventh nationally in production, edamame offers a sweet, nutty flavor and is a staple in East Asian cuisine.

Todd Higgins, a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist, notes that edamame is relatively easy to cultivate in home gardens, similar to green beans or peas. However, timing is crucial.

"But don’t rush out to plant edamame when you see farmers planting corn and soybeans," Higgins cautions. "Farm seed is often treated to withstand lower soil temperatures. Edamame is not treated, so it won’t tolerate cooler soil temperatures."

The ideal planting time is when soil temperatures reach at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, typically late April to early May in Missouri.

Gardeners can monitor soil temperatures using the Missouri Commercial Agriculture Weather Network at http://agebb.missouri.edu/weather/reports/soiltemp2.asp.

Seeds should be planted 1 to 1 ½ inches deep and spaced 2-4 inches apart in rows, with soil firmed around them. An inoculum should be applied to the seeds to facilitate nitrogen uptake.

Edamame pods are harvested when plump, and the beans are nearly touching inside. Both the pods and shelled beans require blanching before consumption.

Nutritionally, edamame is a powerhouse, offering 34% of the recommended daily protein in a 1-cup serving. While not low in fat, it is high in fiber, providing 32% of the daily recommended intake.

To ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season, Higgins recommends "practice succession sowing." This involves planting new seeds every 7-14 days up to mid-July, depending on the region. "If the farmers in your region of Missouri plant soybean after wheat harvest, then you can plant edamame for at least two weeks past wheat harvest," he advises. "As the season progresses past early June, you may need to sow more seed to maintain your production levels of edamame."

Since edamame seeds are not universally available, gardeners may need to source them from mail-order suppliers.

Planting multiple varieties can improve the chances of a successful and early harvest. "If you are looking for something new to try in your garden this year, consider edamame," Higgins suggests.

Photo Credit: istock-sandramatic