Grow a summer crop with 50 Cowpea Seeds in your selected variety. Also called Southern peas or field peas, cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) thrive in warm weather and produce peas for fresh shelling or drying. Choose from the available options to begin your planting.
Why Grow Cowpeas?
- A heat-loving crop for the summer vegetable garden.
- Harvest plump peas for cooking fresh, or allow pods to dry for a later harvest.
- Explore varieties with different seed and pod characteristics.
Growing Tips
- Direct sow outdoors after frost danger passes and soil warms above 65°F.
- Choose full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds approximately 3/4–1 inch deep.
- Allow space for the selected variety's growth habit: bush types can be planted more closely, while vining types need extra room.
- Keep moisture consistent during flowering and pod development without waterlogging the soil.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can encourage foliage at the expense of pods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these the same as cool-season garden peas?
No. Cowpeas grow best in warm conditions. Sowing into cold, wet soil can cause seed to rot.
Do all options have the same size and harvest date?
No. Growth habit, pod appearance, and maturity vary by variety and growing conditions. Allow more space for vigorous or vining plants.
When should I pick the pods?
For shelling, pick mature pods while the peas are plump and before the pods dry. For dry peas, allow pods to dry before harvesting.
Which variety will I receive?
You receive 50 seeds of the option selected when ordering. The available names are shown in the variety selector.