Cowpea Seeds

Useful gardening information

Cowpea is one of the most ancient crops known to man. Its origin and subsequent domestication is associated with pearl millet and sorghum in Africa. It is now a broadly adapted and highly variable crop, cultivated around the world primarily for seed, but also as a vegetable (for leafy greens, green pods, fresh shelled green peas, and shelled dried peas), a cover crop and for fodder. Cowpea has a number of common names, including crowder pea, black-eyed pea and southern pea.

All cultivated cowpea varieties are considered warm season and adapted to heat and drought conditions. Cowpeas typically reach a canopy height of 30 to 36 inches, although the more determinate bush types may reach only 24 inches. The seed pods are borne above the leaf axil, making the pods very visible. The seed pod is typically 3 to 6 inches long and has 6 to 13 seeds per pod. The seed weight per bushel is 60 pounds with about 3,000 to 4,000 seeds per pound. The germination of the seed is rapid at soil temperatures above 65° F.

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Sowing Instructions

Plant cowpeas outdoors directly in the garden after last frost date. Germination is improved when soil temperature is above 65 F. Cowpeas require a long growing season with 4 months of warm days. They are drought resistant and basically can grow anywhere corn can grow. Plants can grow 8 to 36" tall. Do not plant in cold wet soil or you may experience poor germination.

Informative articles found on the web:

How to grow Cowpeas
Black-eyed Peas and Rice Recipe
Black-eyed Baby Cakes Recipe
More Cowpea Recipes

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Seeds

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