Home › Edamame (Soybean) › Grow in Illinois

Can You Grow Edamame (Soybean) in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Edamame grows well in your zone — direct sow and enjoy fresh pods all summer.

Plant zones

5a–10b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

70–95 days

When to plant Edamame (Soybean)s in Illinois

Direct sow

Apr 7

Harvest

Jun 16 – Jul 11

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Edamame (Soybean)

Edamame is fresh soybean harvested in the green immature stage — the source of those restaurant appetizer pods. Protein-rich and easy to grow with a satisfying harvest. Also used in Indian cooking as a nutritious vegetable.

Direct sow after soil warms to 60°F — edamame does not transplant well. Sow 2 inches deep, 4 inches apart. Inoculate seeds with soybean inoculant for best yields. Harvest when pods are plump and bright green but before they turn yellow. Blanch and freeze excess.

Full edamame (soybean) growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.