Soybean Green Shell - Edamame [Glycine max]

The annual soybean 'Green Shell' is an early, very versatile and traditional Japanese legume. World-famous oilseed plant with an extremely high protein content. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the soybean kernels.

 Description 
The 'Green Shell' soybean is a well-known annual Japanese legume and has been traditionally cultivated for thousands of years. This early variety has an extremely high protein content and can be used for an incredible number of different purposes. As an oilseed, it is one of the most important plants in the world. Soybean kernels also ripen easily in Central Europe and can be used fresh or dried. Young harvested soybeans are particularly delicious and can be prepared like peas and are called "edamame". They can be cooked and eaten raw in small quantities. Suitable for making tofu.

 General information 
Plant family: Fabaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 110 days
Plant height approx.: 50 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -6°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, loamy, humus

pH value: 6.5 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 2-4 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 12-18 °C
Germination time: 10-20 days
Plant and row spacing: 15x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 1-2 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Savory, Strawberries, Cucumbers, Cabbage, Kohlrabi, Potatoes, Corn, Beetroot, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Celery, Lettuce, Pumpkin
Unfavorable mixed culture: Pea, Bean, Fennel, Leek, Garlic, Broad bean, Spring onion, Onion

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to July is recommended. The plants should ideally be located in a sunny spot that is sheltered from the wind.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to early June is recommended. The plants should ideally be located in a sunny spot and protected from the wind.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing in rows is recommended. Late frosts in May are tolerated down to a maximum of -6°C. Soya needs warmth and needs at least 10°C to thrive, with 18-25°C being optimal.
Soybean 'Green Shell' ideally prefers a soil that is moist, permeable, low in nutrients and contains humus and clay. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Sow seeds at least 2 cm deep. Since the soil is supplied with nitrogen via the roots, these should be cut off after harvest and left in the soil. Due to the nitrogen excretions on the roots of the soybeans, planting in mixed culture promotes surrounding plants. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Occasional weeding helps the young plants develop. Loose and moist soil is sufficient. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Glycine max
English names: Soy, Soya
German names: Soja
Portuguese names: Soja
Spanish names: Soja
French names: Soja

 Origin 
Country: Portugal