Cowpea Seeds,
White Whippoorwill

Cowpeas love heat and cannot tolerate cold, so wait to plant until the soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees; the ideal germination temperature is 75 to 95 F. Soaking is not necessary; direct sow the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep in a warm, sunny location and thin seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart.

Trellis the plants to keep them neat and tidy, as they have a tendency to get out of control, and water at the ground with drip irrigation or soaker hoses rather than overhead, which can spread disease.

• Cowpeas love heat and cannot tolerate cold.
• Soak seeds overnight and direct sow in a warm, sunny location when soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees.
• Ideal germination temperature is 75-95 F.
• Plant seeds ½ to 1 inch deep.
• Seeds should be thinned to 4-6 inches apart.

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• Cowpeas are famous for thriving in poor conditions. They can tolerate excessive heat, drought, poor soil and humidity; they just don’t like cool weather.
• Plants can tolerate a bit of shade.
• Trellis plants to keep them neat and tidy, as they have a tendency to get out of control.
• Overhead watering can spread disease; it’s much better to use drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
• Pencil thin, immature pods can be harvested for fresh eating.
• Harvest dry beans when pods have completely dried and beans are hard. In case of a wet fall, cut down plants and hang upside down indoors to ensure even drying.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Cowpeas are a generally pest- and disease-free plant.
• Aphids can be controlled with a strong blast of water on the affected area or an application of neem oil.

• Beans are self pollinating and seldom have issues with cross pollinating. You may grow different varieties for seed saving in the same small garden with very little chance of contamination.
• Simply allow cowpea pods to dry completely on the plants; shell the peas and store in an airtight container, where they will remain viable for up to 4 years.