When to Plant Cowpeas in Union 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.
Union County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,017 feet, Union County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cowpeas during the growing season.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Cowpeas
Cowpeas needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cowpeas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cowpeas Planting Timeline — Union 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
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Union 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cowpeas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cowpeas in Union County, IL?
Union County is in Zone 6b 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 Union County, IL?
Union County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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