How to Grow Edamame

By: Angela Judd | July 30, 2025

Edamame, young, tender soybeans harvested before they fully mature, are one of those garden crops that’s incredibly rewarding to grow at home. Timing is key, but with the right conditions, you’ll harvest delicious edamame beans fresh from your garden.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to grow edamame successfully, share harvesting tips, and answer common questions.

Green soybean pods growing on a plant, surrounded by lush green leaves in sunlight—a perfect example for those learning how to grow edamame at home.

When to Plant Edamame Seeds

General planting dates:
Plant edamame seeds outdoors after your area’s last frost date, once the soil warms up (typically late spring through early summer).

Low-desert planting dates:
Edamame grows best in the low desert if planted during two key windows:

Late March through April
August through September

For more details about planting timing, check out my low desert planting guide.

A hand holds three packets of soya bean seeds labeled Midori Giant, Ghiba Green, and Tankuro Edamame—ideal choices if youre learning how to grow edamame at home.

In hot climates like Arizona, getting this timing right is essential. Planting too early risks frost damage; planting too late exposes your plants to intense summer heat.

Best Soil for Edamame

Edamame thrives in loose, fertile, and well-draining soil. Aim for slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH around 6.0–7.0).

To improve your garden soil:

Add organic compost or aged manure before planting.
Incorporate worm castings to boost nutrients and soil structure.

Two young green seedlings growing in soil with leaves and mulch, shown in different stages of growth—ideal for illustrating how to grow edamame from seedling to maturity.

Edamame benefits from regular moisture, so ensure your soil retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Tip: I use watering grids to maintain consistent moisture levels for my edamame. Check out the watering grids I use here.

How to Plant Edamame

Spacing: For square-foot gardening, plant 1–4 edamame plants per square foot.
Seed depth: Plant seeds about 1–1½ inches (2.5–4 cm) deep.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod development.

A hand holds black soybeans next to a Soya Beans Tankuro Edamame seed packet on soil, showing how to grow edamame right from planting the seeds.

Edamame Growing Tips for Success

Edamame is sensitive to frost and extreme heat. Protect young plants from unexpected late frost with row covers.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture, control weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal disease risks.
Edamame plants may require some support as they grow taller. Edamame typically grows 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall. I use bamboo poles to help keep them upright and healthy.

Close-up of green soybeans growing on a plant among leafy stems, with sunlight filtering through leaves—a beautiful snapshot for anyone interested in how to grow edamame at home.

How Long Does It Take to Grow Edamame?

From planting seeds to harvesting pods typically takes about 75–90 days. Timing varies slightly by variety and weather conditions.

In warm climates like Arizona’s low desert, you may see slightly faster growth if temperatures remain consistently warm (but not hot).

Lush green bean plants growing in a raised wooden garden bed outdoors demonstrate how to grow edamame successfully in your own backyard.

Harvesting Edamame Beans

Harvest edamame when pods are bright green, plump, and fully filled, typically about 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) long. Test a pod first by gently squeezing it; it should feel firm and well-filled.

Edamame pods mature simultaneously, making it possible (and convenient!) to harvest the entire plant at once:

Whole-plant harvesting: Cut the plant at the base when pods reach peak ripeness. This method simplifies harvesting, especially when growing multiple plants.

Green soybean plants with clusters of fuzzy pods growing on stems in a garden bed—perfect for those learning how to grow edamame at home.

Edamame Harvesting Time & Storage

Harvest edamame beans promptly to avoid over-maturity. Overripe beans lose their sweetness and tenderness.

Using and storing edamame:

Fresh edamame pods taste best steamed or boiled lightly and salted.
Store fresh pods refrigerated in airtight bags for up to a week.
For longer storage, blanch pods in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, cool quickly in ice water, drain, and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Pro Tip: Blanching stops the enzymes that cause beans to lose flavor, texture, and color in storage. It also kills surface bacteria and helps preserve that just-picked taste.

Looking for another nutritious and protein-packed crop to try? Check out this guide on how to grow peanuts, a fun choice that also loves warm weather.

Green and a few dark purple bean pods in a metal colander with small holes, perfect for those interested in learning how to grow edamame at home.

Other Beans to Grow

Edamame beans are just one delicious choice. If you enjoy growing beans, here are some other types to try, each with their own growing and harvesting methods:

FAQ: How to Grow Edamame

Close-up of green soybean pods growing on a plant with broad leaves in natural sunlight, showing an early stage of how to grow edamame successfully.

What is the best time of year to plant edamame in the low desert?

Plant edamame in the low desert from late March through April and again from August through September.

How long does it take for edamame to grow from seed to harvest?

Edamame beans typically take 75–90 days from planting seeds to harvest.

Can edamame be grown successfully in containers or small gardens?

Yes, edamame grows well in containers. Use pots at least 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide and deep, with good drainage. Water regularly, as containers dry out quickly.

What type of soil conditions does edamame prefer for optimal growth?

Edamame thrives in loose, fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Add compost or worm castings for best results.

How much sunlight does edamame need each day?

Edamame requires full sun, meaning at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

How do I save edamame seeds for planting next season?

Let pods mature fully on the plant until dry and brown. Remove pods, let seeds dry completely indoors, and store seeds in a cool, dry place in labeled envelopes until next planting season.

Are there companion plants that grow well with edamame?

Good companions for edamame include cucumbers, corn, carrots, marigolds, and potatoes. Avoid planting near onions or garlic, which can inhibit bean growth.

How to save edamame seeds for planting next season?

Select healthy plants and allow pods to fully mature and dry on the plant until they are brown and brittle. Harvest dried pods, remove the beans, and let them dry completely indoors for about a week. Store seeds in a labeled paper envelope or airtight container in a cool, dry place until planting next season.

Final Tips on Growing Edamame

Close-up of green soybean pods on the left; leafy soybean plants growing in soil on the right, showing key stages in how to grow edamame.

Edamame can be tricky because they don’t handle extreme temperatures well. But once you get the timing right, you’ll be rewarded with delicious, nutritious beans fresh from your garden.

Have you tried growing edamame? I’d love to hear about your experience or answer your questions below.

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