An incredibly special native soybean from Korea. Soy is one of the oldest cultivated crops in Korea where there are hundreds of native cultivars and wild relatives. This late maturing variety is one of many referred to as bam kong, or chestnut bean. Plants are very vigorous, standing at around 3' tall and developing a bushy habit. They produce two or three beans per pod. Soybeans have also played an indispensable role in sustainable farming systems in Korea, and other parts of East Asia, contributing nitrogen and organic matter to soils. These seeds have been preserved by native seed activists on the peninsula, because of the important story they share, as well as their multi-faceted nutritional content.

Days to Maturity: 120+ days from emergence

Growing Tips: Soybeans are warm season annuals who flower in response to short days. They are fairly determinate, maturing their beans mostly in one big push. For a continual harvest of fresh pods you should grow early or mid season varieties in multiple successions. Chestnut Beans are very long season and generally will need to be planted as soon as favorable conditions arrive in spring, and are harvested in early fall.

When to Plant: Direct seed once all threat of frost has passed. Optimal temperature for germination is 70+F between May and June, with soil temperatures >70F Alternately, start indoors 3-4 weeks prior to transplanting.

Planting Depth: .5”

Spacing: 8-12” between plants

Sun: Full or partial.

Water: Moderate. Deep, infrequent waterings. Avoid oversaturation of soil.