Perennial Soybean
Glycine spp.fam. Fabaceae
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Pl. A91C — Glycine spp.
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IOverview
Overview
Perennial Soybean (Glycine spp.) is a light-loving plant native to southeastern Australia, including regions such as New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. This perennial can grow up to 0.6 meters tall in moist, well-draining soil that is either light (sandy) or medium in texture. Known for its edible leaves, seeds, and seedpods, it thrives in partial sun to shade conditions with a hardiness range of zones 7-11. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to provide multiple harvestable parts throughout the year, making it a valuable addition to gardens seeking both ornamental beauty and culinary variety.
Quick answers
What is Perennial Soybean?
Perennial Soybean (Glycine spp.) is a light-loving plant native to southeastern Australia, including regions such as New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. This perennial can grow up to 0.6 meters tall in moist, well-draining soil that is either light (sandy) or medium in texture.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Perennial Soybean thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is hardy in zones 7-11, making it suitable for temperate regions. For propagation, use seeds directly sown in the garden after the last frost. This perennial can be harvested for its leaves, seedpods, and seeds throughout the growing season.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Perennial Soybean for the first time
8steps
Start with Perennial Soybean as a simple, low-maintenance perennial in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Perennial Soybean seeds or seedlings, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Perennial Soybeans in spring after the last frost or in autumn before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil that is light (sandy) to medium with good drainage. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep and wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep, spaced about 30 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have several true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly with compost once a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead or damaged branches in late winter to maintain plant health and shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 5 native· 2 introduced
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
native:New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria
introduced:Norfolk Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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