Leslie Massey
Edamame beans, also known as edible soybeans, green soybeans and vegetable soybeans, are easy to grow and packed with protein. They are a Japanese delicacy, often served steamed in the pod with salt. In this article, we will discuss how to grow edamame beans in Australia, covering everything from seed selection to harvesting. With a bit of patience and care, you'll be able to enjoy the buttery flavour of freshly picked edamame straight from your garden!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Edamame, edible soybean, green soybean, vegetable soybean |
| Botanical Name | Glycine max |
| Family | Legume (Fabaceae) |
| Origin | Asia |
| Season | Late spring to summer |
| Sowing Time | April to mid-June |
| Sowing Method | Direct sowing |
| Seed Depth | 0.25-0.5 inches |
| Seed Spacing | 2-4 inches |
| Row Spacing | 2 feet |
| Germination Time | 1-2 weeks |
| Plant Height | 1 metre |
| Harvest Time | 10-12 weeks |
| Harvest Criteria | Bright green pods, 2-3 inches long |
| Pests | Corn earworm, stinkbugs, aphids |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy edamame seeds in Australia
When it comes to buying edamame seeds in Australia, there are a few options available to you. One popular choice is to purchase them online. Several websites, such as Seeds of Plenty, Boondie Seeds, and Mr Fothergill's, offer soybean edamame seeds for sale. These websites provide a convenient way to buy your seeds and have them delivered directly to your doorstep.
Another option is to buy edamame seeds in person from a physical store. One suggestion is to check garden stores located within Adelaide Botanic Gardens, as they stock Diggers Club seeds. These seeds are natural and include unusual and heirloom varieties of flowers and vegetables. If you're based in Melbourne, you might also try Green Harvest for seeds.
Additionally, some people have reported success in growing edamame beans by purchasing dried soybeans from Asian grocery stores and planting them. This method may be worth trying if you're unable to find edamame seeds through the more conventional sources mentioned above.
When purchasing your edamame seeds, it's important to look for seeds that are specifically labelled for edamame production. These seeds are intended for early picking, resulting in larger beans with a sweeter flavour when immature. With the right seeds and care, you'll be well on your way to growing your own delicious and nutritious edamame beans!
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How to plant edamame seeds
Edamame seeds are best direct-sown in late spring once the risk of frost has passed. The soil should be workable and warmed to at least 13°C, with air temperatures reaching at least 16°C. Planting in cold, wet soil can cause soybean seeds to rot, so don't rush it.
You can sow edamame seeds in pots or trays under 4 cm of good-quality seed compost. Be sure to thin the edamame seedlings 4 to 6 inches apart to promote healthy growth and good airflow. You can also plant the seeds directly in the ground, about 2 to 4 inches apart, in rows 2 feet apart.
For those in Australia, if you're north of Sydney, you can give edamame seeds a go. You can find them through online seed companies such as Green Harvest, which says you can sow until February or March.
Edamame requires a growing season of about 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the variety. To get a head start, you can pre-warm the soil by laying a sheet of black or clear plastic on top of the bed and leaving it for 7 to 10 days.
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How to care for edamame plants
Edamame is a low-maintenance crop with similar growing needs to bush beans. They are also known as "edible soybean", "green soybean", and "vegetable soybean". Edamame plants grow to about a metre tall and are usually self-supporting.
To care for your edamame plants, you should:
- Harden off your young edamame plants for one to two weeks before moving them outside.
- Plant them in a well-drained yet moist, sunny position about 15 cm apart, in rows 45 cm apart.
- Consider supporting your beans in high winds.
- Keep your plants weed-free using a hoe and water them regularly.
- Harvest the beans when the pods are bright green, and the individual beans are clearly distinguishable inside.
- To remove the beans, simply pinch the pod between your thumb and forefinger to pop them out.
Edamame is sensitive to day length and is classified into "maturity groups" (MG) 00 to 10. The lower the number, the earlier the variety matures and produces pods. Day length is critical to flowering and the production of beans. Low-number varieties are best suited for areas with shorter growing seasons, while higher-number cultivars are better for areas with longer growing seasons.
Pests such as corn earworm, stink bugs, and aphids can affect edamame plants, so it is recommended to grow them under a net.
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When to harvest edamame beans
The edamame harvest usually begins in mid to late summer, depending on your region and planting time. The pods are ready to harvest when they are 2 to 3 inches long, plump, and bright green. If the pods have turned yellow, it means they are past their prime and have a more lima bean-like flavour and texture.
Harvesting should take place in the evening for the best flavour. Another indication that the pods are ready is when some of the leaves shift from bright green to a light yellow-green. It is important not to wait until all the plants in a row have yellow leaves, as this means they are overripe.
The harvest window for edamame is typically quite narrow, ranging from three to seven days. It is best to pick the pods as soon as they are filled out and bright green. To harvest, carefully snap off the pods with your fingers or use garden snips. Avoid pulling or tugging at the pods.
For an extended harvest, plant a second crop three to four weeks later.
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How to harvest edamame beans
Edamame beans are ready to harvest around 10 weeks after planting. The pods should be bright green and plump, and around 2 to 3 inches long. If the pods have turned yellow, it means they are past their prime and will not taste as good.
When harvesting, do not pull or tug the pods from the plants, as this can damage them. Instead, carefully snap them off with your fingers or use garden snips. You can also uproot the entire plant if you wish. Harvest the pods every day or two over a period of 2 to 3 weeks.
To remove the beans from the pods, simply pinch the pod between your thumb and forefinger to pop them out. The beans can then be steamed and eaten straight from the pod, or added to salads, rice, pasta, and other dishes.
For a second harvest, plant your seeds about 10 days after your first batch.
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Frequently asked questions
Late spring, once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
You can find them through online seed companies such as Green Harvest. You can also buy them in person at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
Direct sow the seeds in a garden bed that offers full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct light each day. Plant the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 an inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart, in rows 2 feet apart.
Harvest your edamame beans when the pods are bright green and plump, and the individual beans are clearly distinguishable inside.
