Soybean
Glycine max
Family: Fabaceae
Soybean grows in full sun and prefers fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter. Water needs: Moderate; keep evenly moist without waterlogging.
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How to Grow Soybean
Soybean growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter with a soil pH of 6.0-7.0, and Moderate; keep evenly moist without waterlogging water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 2-11 as an annual crop. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Soybean as Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable, with planting or establishment depth listed as About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size. Days to maturity are listed as Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions.
Plant Overview
Soybean (Glycine max) is listed in the Fabaceae family and categorized as a legume with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Easy.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0075
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Plant type
- Legume
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous crop grown for edible plant parts
- Mature height
- Varies by cultivar; commonly 1-4 ft
- Mature spread
- Varies by cultivar; commonly 1-3 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
Growing Conditions
Soybean is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; keep evenly moist without waterlogging. The database soil reference is Fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 2-11 as an annual crop.
- Hardiness zones
- 2-11 as an annual crop
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.0
- Water needs
- Moderate; keep evenly moist without waterlogging
- Plant spacing
- Space according to mature size; commonly 6-24 in
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable and the seed depth is About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size. The listed time to maturity is Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable
- Germination temperature
- Generally 55-80°F depending on crop
- Seed depth
- About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size
- Sowing method
- Direct sow or transplant according to crop and local season
- Start indoors
- Optional for crops that tolerate transplanting; otherwise direct sow
- Transplanting
- Transplant after hardening off when temperatures suit the crop
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions
- Harvest
- Harvest at the edible stage appropriate to the crop and cultivar
- Propagation
- Seed or vegetative propagation depending on crop
- Seed saving
- Allow healthy seed to mature fully before collecting; use species-specific isolation practices where cross-pollination matters.
- Pollination
- Varies by species; many are self-pollinated or insect-pollinated
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Aphids, beetles, caterpillars, mites, slugs, and other crop-specific pests
- Common diseases
- Leaf spots, mildews, rots, wilts, and other crop-specific diseases
- Uses
- Food production, home gardens, and culinary use
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.