Blog

When to Plant Cowpeas in Arizona

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.

Arizona spans USDA hardiness zones 10a, 5b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b (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 Arizona

Zone 10a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 29
Harvest March 12 Mar 12 – Apr 23
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 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
Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jun 28
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest May 6 May 6 – Jun 17
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 10
Harvest April 21 Apr 21 – Jun 2
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 22
Harvest April 5 Apr 5 – May 17

Growing Tips for Arizona

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 Arizona?

Planting dates for Cowpeas in Arizona depend on your USDA zone. Arizona spans zones 10a, 5b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Arizona for planting?

Arizona contains USDA hardiness zones 10a, 5b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. 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.