When to Plant Cowpeas in Marion County, IL
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.
Marion County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 964 feet, Marion County receives approximately 40.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Cowpeas during the growing season.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Cowpeas Planting Timeline — Marion County, IL
Cowpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
192 days
Growing Tips for Marion County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Cowpeas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cowpeas in Marion County, IL?
Marion County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Cowpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, IL?
Marion County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Marion County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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