How to Grow Cowpeas, Black Eyed Peas
Cowpeas, also called Black Eyed Peas, are a favorite southern bean.
Although the young leaves are edible, most gardeners grow them for the
bean inside. Cowpeas are native to Africa, where it is an important food
crop. The plant thrives in warmer climates. There are vining and non-vining
varieties.
Cowpeas grow in a slender pod which looks like a green bean. Six to ten inch
pods contain tan colored beans. "Black Eyed Peas" have a black circle
on it with a beige spot in the middle of the circle. Can you guess the color
of the circle on the "Pink Eye" variety?
Days to Maturity:
Ranges from 80 to 90 days depending on variety.
Sowing Cowpea Seeds:
Plant outdoors after the last frost date, and when the soil has warmed. Sow
seeds directly into the garden. They germinate best at a soil temperature
of 65 degrees or higher.
Follow the spacing directions on the packet. Seeds germinate in 7-10 days.
How to Grow Cowpeas:
Growing Cowpeas is easy.
Grow cowpeas in full sun. They prefer rich, well draining soil. Add compost
prior to planting. Apply a side dressing of fertilizer to give these plants
a fast start as soon as they germinate.
Thin seedling to proper distance, as noted on the seed packet. If there are
no directions, space plants three inches apart in rows three feet apart.
Cowpea plants are tolerant of heat and dry weather conditions. However, for
maximum growth and harvest, water frequently, especially during dry periods.
Try to keep the leaves dry as you water. This will help avoid fungus diseases.
Apply a general purpose fertilizer once a month during the season.
Harvesting Cowpeas:
Young, tender leaves are edible. Pick as needed for salads. Or, cook them
like spinach.
Many gardeners who are new to cowpeas, do not know that the young pods are
edible, too. Pick when very young, as the pods get tough and stringy early.
Most people harvest Cowpeas for the bean inside. If harvesting "green" pick,
when young. For dried beans, pick after the pods have dried. The beans can
be allowed to dry right on the vine.
Insects, Pests, and Plant Disease:
A variety of insects enjoy cowpeas. Use insecticides or repellents as needed.
Deer and rabbits like this vegetable,too. They will eat the young plants,
and nip tender leaves. Deer will forage for the young beans. If you have
wild turkeys in your area, you may find them munching on your Cowpeas. They
eat the young plants and enjoy the insects that the plant attracts.
Pest netting is effective for rabbits and deer.
Rabbit Control
Deer Control
Bacterial and wilt diseases are common among the Bean family. This plant
disease arrives with summer heat and humidity. This often occurs just before,
or during, the ripening of the crop. Fungicides are recommended in areas
of high heat and humidity.
Hardiness:
Cowpeas are a warm weather crops that grows best in warmer, more southerly
areas of the country. Cowpeas are not a hardy plant. They are susceptible
to cold and frost.
More Information:
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