Cowpea

Cowpeas thrive in warm, well-drained soil around pH 6.0-7.0 and tolerate heat better than garden peas. Use modest fertility without heavy nitrogen feeding, and provide support for vining varieties plus reliable water while pods fill.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

6 in

First harvest

60–90 days

Tips

• Sow 1-1 1/2 inches deep once soil is at least 65°F, thinning to 4-6 inches apart.
• Install a trellis at planting for climbing varieties; compact bush types generally need none.
• Water deeply for about 1 inch weekly during flowering and pod filling, despite the plant's drought tolerance.
• Check flowers and pods for cowpea curculio or stink bug damage and remove infested pods.
• For fresh shell peas, pick pods when seeds are plump before pods dry, then shell and cook the beans.