When is the right time to sow edamame?

Edamame, also known as green beans and edible soybeans , is an annual herb. Compared with other crops, edamame has the characteristics of lower soil requirements, short growth cycle, and low investment. It is also not easily invaded by pests and diseases and is relatively simple to manage. Therefore, it is favored by growers. So when is the right time to sow edamame? Let’s learn more about it below.

When is the right time to sow edamame?

Edamame prefers warm and humid climates and is generally planted in spring and summer. Among them, in the northern region, spring sowing generally begins in late March to early April; while in the southern region, due to the higher temperature, sowing can be advanced to late February to early March. As for summer sowing, it can be done from June to July. However, the specific sowing time should be determined according to local climatic conditions and variety characteristics.

How to sow edamame?

1. Site selection and land preparation

Edamame is not very demanding on the soil, but it is best to choose deep, fertile, loose and well-drained soil for planting. Before sowing, the land needs to be deeply plowed and finely harrowed, and an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer , such as well-rotted compost or chicken manure, should be sprinkled in to improve soil structure and increase fertility.

2. Seed treatment

Edamame seeds need to be processed before sowing. First, select the plump and healthy seeds and remove the diseased and shriveled seeds. Then, soak the seeds in warm water for 10-15 minutes to kill the germs attached to the surface of the seeds. Finally, the seeds are scooped out and dried, ready for sowing.

3. Sowing method

Generally, the hole sowing method can be used, with the planting row spacing at 30 by 25 cm. First measure the distance, dig holes, and water the holes thoroughly. After the water seeps in, place 3-4 seeds in each hole to ensure the germination rate.

4. Field management

(1) Check and supplement seedlings: After the edamame seedlings emerge, check the emergence status in time. If any seedlings are missing, replant or transplant them in time.

(2) Intertillage and weeding: During the growth of edamame, intertillage and weeding should be carried out in a timely manner to keep the soil loose and remove weeds to prevent nutrient loss.

(3) Water management: Edamame requires an adequate amount of water supply during its growth period, especially during the flowering and podding period, and the soil must be kept moist. But you should also pay attention to drainage to avoid water accumulation which may cause root rot of the edamame.

(4) Reasonable fertilization: In addition to base fertilizer, during the growing period, appropriate amounts of nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be applied depending on the growth of the plants to promote the filling of the pods.

5. Harvesting points

The harvest period for edamame is generally 60-90 days after sowing, and it can be harvested when the pods are full and the beans are plump. When harvesting, be careful to avoid damaging the pods and beans.

In general, the planting method of edamame is relatively simple, but there are many varieties of edamame, and different varieties adapt to different environments, so the planting time is different. Therefore, choosing the right variety and determining the appropriate planting time are one of the primary keys to successful edamame cultivation .