Soy Bean 'Black'
Native to China where the black soy bean is used for both its medicinal benefits as well as an ingredient in cuisine. Also known as Kuromame, they are used as the main ingredient in several fermented dishes as well as traditional Chinese black bean sauce.
A warm season crop, sow Soy Beans directly when soil temperatures reach at least 15-18 degrees C and all likelihood of frost has passed. Sow in full sun in a rich soil around 4cm deep and about 10cm apart, (space rows around 45cm apart). Water regularly during germination. Seed should germinate in 7-10 days. Protect seedlings from snails and slugs, especially while young. Harvest as soon as the pods are plump and the seed is nearly full sized, but still green usually 6-7 weeks from sowing or leave to mature and wait for the pods fall to the ground to harvest dried beans.