Also known as Edamame · Gm Soya · Kaḍhelli
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans. See toxicity details.
Soybean (Glycine max) is a globally significant annual legume crop, primarily cultivated for its edible beans rich in protein and oil. It thrives in warm climates and ful
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Requires full sun for optimal growth and yield, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
90% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod formation. Avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering as pods mature.
70% intensity
Well-drained, fertile loam, pH 6.0-7.0
50% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures between 20-30 °C. Sensitive to frost.
80% intensity
Outdoor
50% intensity
Soybeans are nitrogen-fixing legumes, so they generally require less nitrogen fertilizer. Apply phosphorus and potassium as needed based on soil tests.
40% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Raw soybeans contain antinutritional factors like trypsin inhibitors and lectins, which can cause digestive upset. These compounds are destroyed by cooking, making processed soybeans safe and nutritious for consumption.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Soybeans require consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development. Aim for about 2. 5-4 cm of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering as the pods mature and begin to dry.
Pruning is generally not a standard practice for soybean plants, especially when grown for commercial yield. In a home garden setting, some growers might choose to pinch back the growing tips of young plants.
This can encourage a bushier growth habit and potentially more lateral branching. However, this practice may also slightly reduce the overall bean yield. Focus primarily on providing optimal growing conditions.
Soybeans are exclusively propagated by direct sowing seeds. Plant seeds into well-prepared, warm soil after all danger of frost has passed, typically when soil temperatures consistently reach at least 15 °C (59 °F).
Sow seeds approximately 2. 5-5 cm (1-2 inches) deep and space them about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) apart within rows. Ensure rows are spaced 60-90 cm (24-36 inches) apart for adequate growth.
As annual plants, soybeans complete their entire life cycle within a single growing season. Therefore, they do not require repotting.
They are typically grown directly in the ground or in sufficiently large containers from the start.
If cultivating in pots, select containers that are at least 30 cm (12 inches) deep and wide to provide ample space for their root system and support healthy development throughout the season.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Soybean (Glycine max)
21 known issues from plant disease data
Soybean cyst nematode in Soybean causes stunted plants, yellow leaves, poor vigor, and weak roots that reduce growth and pod filling.
Sudden death syndrome in Soybean causes yellowing and browning between leaf veins while plants may wilt and die before pods fill well.
White mold in Soybean causes wilted stems, bleached patches, and cottony growth that leads to rotting plants and poor pod set.
Phytophthora root and stem rot in Soybean causes dark stem lesions, root rot, seedling death, and sudden wilting in wet fields.
Root-knot nematode in Soybean causes swollen root galls, stunting, yellowing, and reduced plant growth with weaker pod production.
Diaporthe seed decay in Soybean causes cracked, shriveled, or poor-quality seed that lowers grain appearance and seed usefulness.
Pod and stem blight in Soybean causes dark specks on stems and pods, early ripening, and poor seed quality at harvest time.
Charcoal rot in Soybean causes lower stem decay, shredded roots, early wilting, and weak plants during hot, dry conditions.
Cercospora leaf blight in Soybean causes bronzed or purple upper leaves and can dull seed quality as plants fully mature.
Fusarium root rot and wilt in Soybean causes root decay, yellowing, wilting, and poor stand development in affected fields.
Frogeye leaf spot in Soybean causes round leaf spots with pale centers and dark edges that can reduce healthy leaf area.
Stem canker in Soybean causes sunken stem lesions, leaf wilting, and premature plant death that cuts yield across field patches.
Septoria brown spot in Soybean causes small brown leaf spots that begin low in the canopy and spread upward with defoliation.
Brown stem rot in Soybean causes browning inside stems, leaf scorch, and reduced vigor that may look worse late in season.
Purple seed stain in Soybean causes purple discoloration on seed coats, lowering seed appearance and grain market quality.
Soybean mosaic in Soybean causes mottled, puckered leaves, uneven growth, and fewer normal pods on infected field plants.
Bean pod mottle in Soybean causes mottled leaves, misshapen pods, and seed with blotchy discoloration and reduced quality.
Downy mildew in Soybean causes pale yellow leaf spots with grayish growth underneath and reduced leaf quality late in season.
Bacterial blight in Soybean causes water-soaked leaf spots that turn brown and tear, leaving ragged foliage after storms.
Anthracnose stem blight in Soybean causes dark stem streaks, petiole damage, and poor pod fill on weakened field plants.
Soybean rust in Soybean causes tiny leaf lesions and pustules that lead to yellowing, early leaf drop, and lower yield loss.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Fabales |
| family | Fabaceae |
| genus | Glycine |
| species | Glycine max |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
