Bean Seeds - Bush - Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybean
120-150 Days to maturity. Glycine max. Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybean Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, bush, shell, soybean, high-yielding, Asian bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybean is a culturally significant, heirloom soybean with a rich history in Japan. A dual-use strain for both edamame (harvested immature) and mature dried beans (e.g., kuromame). It is treasured in the kitchen for its unique flavor, striking appearance, and versatility. Whether you're interested in growing a specialty crop, connecting with traditional Japanese cuisine, or simply enjoying a unique and flavorful soybean, Tamba Kuro Otsubu is an excellent choice. ~65 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybean Beans in the Vegetable Garden
Space the plants about 2-4 inches apart within rows, and keep the rows 18-24 inches apart. This spacing provides enough room for the bushy plants to grow and ensures good air circulation, which helps reduce the risk of disease. Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybeans should be directly sown into the garden after the last frost date when the soil has warmed to at least 60 F). The seeds should be planted about 1-1.5 inches deep. This depth ensures that the seeds are covered enough to stay moist but close enough to the surface to receive warmth from the sun, which is crucial for germination.
Soybeans like Tamba Kuro Otsubu need consistent moisture, especially during the flowering and pod development stages. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Soybeans benefit from a balanced fertilizer at planting, particularly if your soil is low in phosphorus and potassium. An all-purpose fertilizer with a ratio of 5-10-10 can be worked into the soil before planting.
Harvesting Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybean Beans
For edamame, harvest the pods when they are plump and bright green, and the beans inside fill the pod but are still soft. This is typically around 100-120 days after sowing. The best time to harvest is when the pods have a slight give when squeezed and before they start to harden or turn yellow.
If you plan to use the soybeans dried, allow the pods to remain on the plant until they turn brown and dry out, usually an additional month after the edamame stage. The beans inside should be firm and dry.
About Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybean Bean Garden Seeds
The Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybean comes from the Tamba region of Japan, where it has been cultivated for centuries. This heirloom variety is highly prized in Japanese cuisine and is specifically bred for its large, black seeds that are used in traditional dishes like kuromame, a sweetened black bean dish commonly eaten during Japanese New Year celebrations.
The primary use of Tamba Kuro Otsubu is in making edamame, where the beans are harvested young, boiled, and lightly salted. However, when left to mature, the beans can be dried and used in various traditional Japanese dishes, including kuromame.
Soybeans, including Tamba Kuro Otsubu, are packed with high-quality plant-based protein, making them an excellent meat alternative.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Fresh edamame is one of my favorite snacks ever! I love eating them with a little bit of salt or soy sauce. They have a smooth and satisfying texture."
 |
- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybean Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 7 g packet - Approximately 14 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 265 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 1,050 Seeds
Non-GMO Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybean Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Glycine max |
| Bean Sub-Type: | Soybean - Soybeans (aka soya bean, soybean, soja bean) are shell beans originating in Asia. They are high in protein and are ultra-versatile, used in fermentation, soymilk, tofu, edamame, and countless other culinary uses. Asian - Asian beans encompass a wide spectrum of bean varieties either originating from Asia or being especially popular in Asian cultures. |
| Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybean Bean Color: | Green, Black |
| Tamba Kuro Otsubu Soybean Bean Flavor: | Rich, nutty, and slightly sweet. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 120-150 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 8-15 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 18-24 inches |
| Plant Height: | 24-36 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F). |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes, direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 60 F. Planting with an inoculant may increase yields, but is certainly not required for a successful grow. |
| Start Indoors: | Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting. |
| Bean Pollination: | Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having a variety of pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by ensuring the greatest chances for pollinating events to occur. |
| Snap or Shell Bean: | Shell - Shell beans have a non-edible woody or fibrous husk that contains the edible beans within. For example, edamame has the beans inside, but you wouldn't want to eat the husk. Shell beans are also sometimes referred to as shelling beans. |
| Pole or Bush Bean: | Bush - Bush beans grow on low-growing, compact, upright, bushy plants that typically do not need a trellis, pole, or other support. Bush beans are usually favorable to container growing. |
| Plant Width: | 12-24 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Late - Ready for harvest around 86 days or more. |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 70-90 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keeping your bean plants clean from dust build-up and surrounded by a variety of plants to help deter and prevent pest damage. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Bean Use: | Sweet or savory dishes, Japanese cuisine, edamame, tofu, soy milk, sprouting. |
| Climate Tolerance: | N/A |