Glycine max
Glycine max
soybean
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Common Names
soybeansoya bean
Context
nativeRegion
East Asia (mainly China).
usdaZones
Annual crop; not perennial, grown in zones 3-9 for one season.
companionPlants
Corn, Sunflower, Squash
culturalUses
Major food crop globally (soybeans); used for tofu, soy sauce, miso, animal feed, oil, and many processed foods.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun for optimal growth.
WateringNeeds regular watering, especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid waterlogging.
SoilWell-drained, fertile loam to clay soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0).
FertilizerModerate; benefits from phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen may be needed if nodulation is poor.
HumidityModerate; grows best in areas with moderate rainfall and humidity.
TemperaturePrefers warm temperatures, 20-30°C (68-86°F) during the growing season.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitAnnual herbaceous legume.
Mature Size30-100 cm (1-3 ft) tall, depending on variety.
Growth RateFast-growing under optimal conditions.
BloomingSmall, inconspicuous white to pale purple flowers, typically mid to late summer.
DormancyNo true dormancy; dies back at season end.
Propagation
MethodsSeed
DifficultyEasy; direct sow in soil after last frost.
Best SeasonSpring when soil temperatures are warm.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningNot required for crop production; remove diseased plants as needed.
RepottingNot applicable in field production; seldom grown as container plant.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to soybean cyst nematode, aphids, rust, bacterial blight, and root rot.
ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and pets; raw beans should be cooked to destroy trypsin inhibitors.
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