OTHER-COW PEAS (37G)

How to grow Cow Peas

1. Choose a location with full sun exposure.  
2. Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile. Cowpeas prefer sandy loam but can tolerate various soil types. 
3.  Test the soil pH; cowpeas thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0). 
4. Till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to loosen it.  Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility. 
5. Consider seed varieties suited to your local climate and growing conditions in any are available.
6. Plant cowpeas after the last frost date in spring when the soil temperature is at least 65°F (18°C).    In warm climates, cowpeas can also be planted in late summer for an Autumn harvest.  
7. Sow seeds directly in the garden, spacing them 5-8cm (2-3 inches) apart in rows at a depth of 2.5-3.8cm (1-1.5 inches) deep.  
8. Space rows 60-91cm (24-36 inches) apart to allow for vine growth and air circulation.   
9. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate (7-10 days).    Once established, water cowpeas deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.   Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases   
10. If needed, apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time.  Cowpeas are legumes and can fix nitrogen, so they generally require less nitrogen fertilizer.  
11. Side-dress with compost or organic fertilizer mid-season if plants show signs of nutrient deficiency.  
12. Keep the planting area weed-free, especially during the early stages of growth.   Mulch around plants to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.   
13. Monitor for common pests like aphids, thrips, and leafhoppers. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.  Prevent diseases by rotating crops, providing good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering.   Remove and destroy any infected plants to prevent the spread of diseases.
14. Harvest cowpeas when the pods are fully developed but still tender for fresh use.   For dry beans, allow the pods to mature and dry on the plant before harvesting.  Pick pods regularly to encourage continuous production.
15. Fresh cowpeas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.   Dry cowpeas should be shelled and stored in a cool, dry place in airtight containers.
    These rules are a general guide. I did not do half of these steps and still produced a healthy sucessful crop simply by broadcasting the seeds on top of my garden bed which had been nourished for several years with an eco-eze Compot composter and ALL my kitchen waste. The soil was very nutrious but I did not test the pH.  So try a few different methods in your garden to see what works best. Sometimes the simplest method is the best.

Heritage of Cow Peas

 Cowpeas have an interesting history tracing back to Sub-Saharan Africa where they spread to East and West Africa and Asia evolving into many  varieties including the Yardlong Bean.  From here they spread to the Americas during the 17th century with the slave trade. 

The name “cowpea” itself originated from their use as a fodder crop for cows and their high protein content, which made them an excellent source of nutrition for livestock.  The term “cowpea” encompasses a wider range of cultivars and colors 

Often confused with Black Eyed peas (a type of cow pea) the two are quite different.  One has pale very creamy skin and a black spot (black eyed Pea typically small, round with a mild flabour) while the cow pea varies in colour, growth habitat, flowers and is generally larger and nuttier in flavour.   Both are used widly in curries and stews.

Incredibly versatile and resilient, makes them a staple in semi-arid regions due to their ability to produce in dry and hot conditions. They are the third most important pulse worldwide and are cultivated on more than 11.5 million hectares across Africa, Southeast Asia, and some countries in the Americas1. Not only are the seeds highly nutritious, with a high protein content, but the leaves are also an important food source in some African cultures1.

I personally found them a pleasure to grow and easy to harvest and save seeds.  I must try them one day in a curry.

SHOP Garden Supplements
Caring-for-your-seeds
Category Colour Guide
Planting Guide for Australia