How to Grow Hawkeye Soybean
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Hawkeye Soybean
Glycine max 'Hawkeye'
vegetableHawkeye is a determinate soybean cultivar bred for high yield and reliability in temperate climates. Known for its consistent production and relatively short maturity period, it has been a popular commercial and garden variety since its development in the mid-20th century. The plant produces nitrogen-fixing nodules on its roots and yields protein-rich pods suitable for fresh consumption, drying, or processing.
When should you plant Hawkeye Soybean in your zone?
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Example Hawkeye Soybean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hawkeye Soybean
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Hawkeye Soybean
Around Jul 21≈ 95 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hawkeye Soybean dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-7 are ideal; can succeed in zones 4-8 with proper timing
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Seedling (VE-V2)
7-14 daysSeeds germinate and emerge as cotyledons with initial true leaves appearing. Plants are 2-4 inches tall with simple leaf structure.
Ensure consistent soil moisture. Keep weeds controlled to reduce competition. Thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct-seeding. Protect from heavy rain that could cause damping off.
Vegetative Growth (V3-V6)
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple true leaves and becomes bushy. Height reaches 8-18 inches. Root nodulation becomes established. Stems thicken and begin branching.
Maintain consistent moisture. Begin regular weeding to prevent resource competition. Watch for early pest damage (beetles, Japanese beetles). Ensure proper spacing for air circulation.
Pre-Flowering to Flowering (R1-R2)
2-3 weeksSmall purple or white flowers appear in leaf axils. Plant height reaches 24-36 inches (determinate variety). Increased leaf area and continued stem development.
Increase watering during this critical stage. Flowering is sensitive to water stress and temperature extremes (heat). Monitor for spider mites and other pests. Avoid disrupting soil or damaging roots.
Pod Development and Pod Fill (R3-R5)
3-4 weeksSmall pods form and enlarge rapidly. Leaves may yellow as plant shifts energy to pods. Pods grow from 0.5 to 2 inches long with developing seeds inside.
Critical water period—maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Stop excessive nitrogen application. Continue pest monitoring. Reduce or stop fertilizing; plant should rely on stored energy and nodule nitrogen.
Mature/Harvest Ready (R7-R8)
2-3 weeksPods dry and turn brown. Seeds inside pods are hard and fully mature, rattle when shaken. Foliage browns and most leaves drop. Plant achieves final height of 28-40 inches.
Reduce watering as plant matures. Allow pods to fully dry on plant for mechanical harvesting or handpicking. Harvest when moisture content is 12-14% for storage. Entire plant can be cut and dried in bundles.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Handpick early morning, use row covers on young plants, apply neem oil or spinosad. Encourage natural predators.
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Increase humidity and irrigation to discourage mites. Apply miticide spray or neem oil if infestation is severe. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Use row covers until flowering. Handpick beetles and yellow egg clusters. Apply spinosad or pyrethrin if population is high.
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Monitor for small holes in leaves. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for organic control or spinosad. Encourage parasitic wasps.
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Use strong water spray to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Attract ladybugs and parasitic wasps. Monitor population levels before treating.
Uses
Fresh Edamame and Boiled Pods
CulinaryYoung green pods can be boiled and salted as a nutritious snack, or pods shelled for fresh soybeans. Mature dried beans are ground into flour, made into tofu, tempeh, miso, or soy sauce, or sprouted for fresh shoots. [source]
High-Protein Legume Dishes
CulinaryDried cooked soybeans are used in soups, stews, salads, and grain bowls. Ground soybean flour enriches baked goods and pasta. The complete protein profile makes soybeans valuable for vegetarian and vegan diets. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation and Soil Improvement
HouseholdLike all legumes, Hawkeye soybeans form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Bradyrhizobium), naturally enriching soil with bioavailable nitrogen. Plowing under or composting plant residue increases soil fertility for subsequent crops. [source]
Isoflavone and Phytoestrogen Content
MedicinalSoybeans are rich in genistein and daidzein isoflavones, plant compounds studied for potential health benefits including bone health, cardiovascular function, and menopausal symptom management. [source]
Natural Dye and Biodegradable Materials
CraftSoybean plants and pods can be used to extract natural dyes for textiles. Soy wax derived from soybean oil is used in sustainable candle-making as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based paraffin. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For fresh/edamame consumption: Harvest green pods when they reach full size (2-2.5 inches) but before seeds harden, typically 70-90 days after planting. Boil immediately or freeze. For dry beans: Allow pods to dry completely on plant, then pick and shell by hand or with mechanical equipment. Harvest when pods are brown and crispy. Store dried beans in cool, dry conditions (50°F, 50% humidity) in sealed containers for year-round use.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Hawkeye cultivar was developed at Iowa State University and named after the University of Iowa's mascot, becoming one of the most widely grown soybean varieties in the U.S. Corn Belt for decades.
- 🌱 Soybeans form a mutualistic relationship with Bradyrhizobium bacteria in root nodules—a single plant can fix 50+ pounds of nitrogen per acre, reducing or eliminating the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
- 🌱 Hawkeye soybeans are 'determinate,' meaning they reach a set height and pod all their beans within a relatively narrow window, making them ideal for mechanical harvest and commercial production.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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