How to Grow Edamame in New Zealand
Soybeans for the home garden. In Auckland sow direct from October once the soil warms and succession sow every few weeks. Pick pods while plump and bright green, before they yellow. Boil in salted water for 5 minutes then pop the beans from the shells. Fixes nitrogen like other legumes.
When to plant edamame in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October, November, December |
| Canterbury | November, December |
| Otago & Southland | November, December |
| Central Otago | December |
Best edamame varieties for NZ
- BeSweet — Early sweet soybean, plump green pods, good home garden cropper. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Midori Giant — Large-podded soybean with full beans and good flavour. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow edamame
- Space plants about 15cm apart.
- Sow seed around 3cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 80 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow edamame near: Corn, Cucumber, Marigold.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Green vegetable bug. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant edamame in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy edamame seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.