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When to Plant Cowpeas in Alaska

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.

Alaska spans USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Cowpeas planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Cowpeas Planting Calendar for Alaska

Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 2 May 2 – May 23
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Aug 15
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 8
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 – May 8
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Jul 31
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Jul 24
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Jul 15
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 15
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 8

Growing Tips for Alaska

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cowpeas in Alaska?

Planting dates for Cowpeas in Alaska depend on your USDA zone. Alaska spans zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Alaska for planting?

Alaska contains USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.