Soya bean is highly self-pollinating and one of the most forgiving legumes for seed saving -- grow several varieties in the same plot with very little practical risk of them crossing.
New to terms like isolation distance or outcrossing? See the Seed-Saving Glossary.
Seed-Saving Difficulty
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Safe to Save
Very low crossing risk.
How It's Pollinated
Highly self-pollinating
(Very low crossing risk)
Scientific name: Glycine max
Domestic Crops It Can Cross With
- Minimal crossing between soya bean varieties
Wild Relatives & Feral Species
- Wild soybean (Glycine soja) exists in parts of Asia and can cross there -- not a practical concern outside that range
Separation Distances Required
Minimum: 5-10m between varieties
Recommended: Not usually needed beyond this
Strict: Not usually needed
Seed-Saving Strategies
- Allow pods to dry brown and rattle on the plant
- Harvest before pods shatter, then thresh
- Store dry -- viable 3-4 years