Are Cowpeas and Black Eyed Peas the Same Plant? Yes!
How to Plant Cowpeas or Black Eyed Peas
Black Eyed Peas and Cowpeas are the Same Plant!
Cowpeas and Black Eyed Peas have different names in different parts of the country, however they are one and the same.
Because cowpeas are members of the legume family of plants, they can benefit from an application of a soil inoculant designed for beans and peas, prior to planting. The inoculant will enable the plants to take nitrogen from the air to use as fertilizer, which can increase crop yield and quality.
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding.
In dry weather, keep soil well-watered. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
Do not work or handle plants when leaves are wet.
Harvest and Preserving Tips
For fresh use, pick pods as soon as well-filled out with seeds.
For dried bean use, harvest about 80 days after seeds sprout.
To dry: Allow the cowpeas to stay on the plants until they are partially dry. Then pull up the plants and hang them in a warm, dry place with good air circulation until the pods and seeds are thoroughly dry. Shell the cowpeas and save the pods and plants for composting.