Cowpeas Planting Guide
Cowpeas (black-eyed peas) are a heat-loving legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. They are drought-tolerant and produce protein-rich pods in hot conditions.
Vigna unguiculata · Vegetable · Fabaceae family · 60–90 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Cowpeas?
Cowpeas Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Cowpeas planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5a | — | May 2 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 15 |
| Zone 5b | — | Apr 25 | — | Jun 27 – Aug 8 |
| Zone 6a | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 31 |
| Zone 6b | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 24 |
| Zone 7a | — | Apr 1 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 15 |
| Zone 7b | — | Mar 25 | — | May 27 – Jul 8 |
| Zone 8a | — | Mar 15 | — | May 17 – Jun 28 |
| Zone 8b | — | Mar 4 | — | May 6 – Jun 17 |
| Zone 9a | — | Feb 17 | — | Apr 21 – Jun 2 |
| Zone 9b | — | Feb 1 | — | Apr 5 – May 17 |
| Zone 10a | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 |
| Zone 10b | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 |
| Zone 11a | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 |
| Zone 11b | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 5a – 11b
Growing Tips
Direct sow after soil is thoroughly warm. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen as cowpeas fix their own. Harvest pods when they begin to dry on the vine for dry beans.
Saving Cowpeas Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Cowpeas by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Cowpeas?
Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) takes 60 to 90 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Cowpeas grow in?
Cowpeas can be grown in USDA zones 5a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Cowpeas need?
Growing Cowpeas requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Low — drought tolerant, and soil pH of 5.5 to 7.