Cowpea — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Vigna unguiculata |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 5–10 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–35 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 15.2–30.5 |
| Mature height (cm) | 45.7–91.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 5–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Direct sow 1 inch deep into any well-drained soil, including poor sandy or clay soils — cowpeas fix nitrogen and improve soil fertility without added fertilizer. They are exceptionally heat and drought tolerant once established, making them the premier summer legume for the Gulf Coast and similar hot, humid climates. Harvest green-shell peas when pods are plump but skins are still soft, or leave pods to dry on the vine for dry beans. Bush types need no support; vining or half-runner types benefit from a simple trellis. Inoculate seeds with cowpea rhizobia if growing in new ground for maximum nitrogen fixation.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0