Soybeans aren’t just for large-scale farms anymore home gardeners and small growers are discovering how simple and rewarding it can be to grow their own soybean plants. Whether you’re after fresh edamame snacks, nutrient-rich animal feed, or nitrogen-boosting cover crops, there’s a soybean variety perfect for your garden. These hardy, versatile plants thrive in warm weather and well-draining soil, making them a fantastic addition to backyard plots. Let’s explore 10 easy-to-grow soybean plant varieties you’ll want to try this season!
1. Envy Soybean
Perfect for home gardens, Envy Soybeans are one of the earliest maturing varieties available. Typically ready to harvest within 75 days, these plants produce plump, bright green pods loaded with delicious, sweet beans. They’re excellent for fresh edamame and can also be dried for winter use. Envy thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for both containers and raised beds. Thanks to its fast growth and resilience, this variety suits gardeners in both northern and southern regions.
2. Midori Giant Soybean
If you’re a fan of large, meaty edamame, Midori Giant is your go-to. These plants produce oversized pods containing three to four beans each, offering a rich, nutty flavor when steamed or boiled. The plants mature in about 85 to 90 days and can reach up to 3 feet in height. Midori Giant is particularly well-suited for fertile, loamy soil and benefits from consistent watering. It’s a reliable, high-yield option for gardeners who want both quantity and quality from their soybean crops.
3. Shirofumi Soybean
Shirofumi is a traditional Japanese edamame variety known for its tender texture and subtly sweet taste. Requiring about 90 days to mature, these plants produce medium-sized, bright green pods perfect for fresh eating. Shirofumi thrives in warm, sunny spots and adapts well to various soil types, provided there’s good drainage. Its consistent yields and reliable performance make it a favorite among both beginner and seasoned gardeners looking to grow gourmet-quality edamame right in their backyard.
4. Butterbean Soybean (Chiba Green)
Chiba Green, often nicknamed Butterbean Soybean, is an early-maturing variety highly prized for its smooth, buttery flavor. Ready to harvest in about 75 days, it delivers rich green pods filled with tender, plump beans. The plants are compact and well-suited for small gardens or containers. Chiba Green also shows good resistance to common soybean diseases and pests, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance, organic gardening. These beans are excellent for steaming and tossing into fresh summer salads.
5. Black Jet Soybean
For something a little different, Black Jet Soybeans offer a bold, nutty flavor and striking appearance. Their small, black beans can be enjoyed fresh or dried for use in soups, stews, and traditional Asian dishes. These plants mature in around 90 to 100 days and prefer full sun with consistent moisture. Black Jet Soybeans are known for their impressive drought tolerance and adaptability, making them a smart pick for gardeners dealing with unpredictable weather patterns.
6. Hokkaido Black Soybean
Another eye-catching option, Hokkaido Black Soybeans are highly prized in Japanese cuisine for their deep color and rich, slightly sweet flavor. The plants produce abundant pods that ripen in about 95 days. While typically enjoyed as dried beans, they can also be picked early for fresh edamame. Hokkaido Black performs best in well-drained, fertile soil and responds well to organic compost. Its striking beans and reliable yields make it a standout variety for gourmet gardeners.
7. Early Hakucho Soybean
If you’re looking for a dependable early harvest, Early Hakucho is an excellent choice. Maturing in just 70 to 75 days, this variety produces firm, sweet beans in bright green pods. Ideal for climates with shorter growing seasons, Early Hakucho thrives in sunny locations with moderate watering. Its compact, bushy growth habit makes it suitable for smaller garden spaces and container growing. The beans are especially delicious when steamed and served with a sprinkle of sea salt.
8. BeSweet 2001 Soybean
BeSweet 2001 lives up to its name, offering exceptionally sweet, tender beans perfect for fresh eating. This edamame variety matures in around 80 to 85 days and delivers high yields of uniform, bright green pods. BeSweet 2001 is well-suited to various soil types and shows good disease resistance, making it a reliable option for novice gardeners. Its sweet flavor and appealing texture make it a favorite for snacking straight from the pod or tossing into stir-fries and salads.
9. Agate Soybean
Agate Soybeans are a heritage variety known for their distinctive tan and brown speckled seeds. The plants mature in about 85 days and perform well in a range of climates. Agate is particularly valued for its versatility — the beans can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or even sprouted. They have a rich, earthy flavor that holds up well in soups and grain bowls. These soybeans are easy to grow, requiring only basic care and consistent watering to produce generous harvests.
10. Green Legend Soybean
Green Legend Soybeans live up to their legendary name with large, vibrant green pods filled with succulent beans. Ready to harvest in about 90 days, these plants thrive in full sun and slightly acidic to neutral soil. They’re known for their consistent performance and ability to produce large harvests even in less-than-ideal conditions. Green Legend soybeans have a rich, savory flavor perfect for fresh edamame, making them a favorite for both home gardeners and specialty market growers.