Soybeans Planting Guide
Soybeans (edamame) are a high-protein legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Fresh green soybeans harvested at the edamame stage are a nutritious snack.
Glycine max · Vegetable · Fabaceae family · 80–120 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Soybeans?
Soybeans Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Soybeans planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | May 29 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 2 |
| Zone 3b | — | May 24 | — | Aug 16 – Sep 27 |
| Zone 4a | — | May 20 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 7 |
| Zone 4b | — | May 15 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 2 |
| Zone 5a | — | May 2 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 19 |
| Zone 5b | — | Apr 25 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 12 |
| Zone 6a | — | Apr 17 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 |
| Zone 6b | — | Apr 10 | — | Jul 3 – Aug 28 |
| Zone 7a | — | Apr 1 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 19 |
| Zone 7b | — | Mar 25 | — | Jun 17 – Aug 12 |
| Zone 8a | — | Mar 15 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 2 |
| Zone 8b | — | Mar 4 | — | May 27 – Jul 22 |
| Zone 9a | — | Feb 17 | — | May 12 – Jul 7 |
| Zone 9b | — | Feb 1 | — | Apr 26 – Jun 21 |
| Zone 10a | — | Jan 8 | — | Apr 2 – May 28 |
| Zone 10b | — | Jan 8 | — | Apr 2 – May 28 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 10b
Growing Tips
Direct sow after soil warms to 60F. Plant in blocks rather than rows for better pollination. Harvest for edamame when pods are plump and bright green.
Saving Soybeans Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Soybeans by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Soybeans?
Soybeans (Glycine max) takes 80 to 120 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Soybeans grow in?
Soybeans can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Soybeans need?
Growing Soybeans requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.