How to Grow Southern Peas (Cowpeas): Planting, Spacing, Care & Harvest

Quick answer

Direct sow after last frost when soil has warmed — about 65°F (UMD). Aliases: cowpeas, crowder, blackeye, field pea (Vigna unguiculata). Fast types 50–55 days; others 60–90 (UMD).

Southern peas at a glance

PlantDirect sow: last frost
SunFull sun ≥6 hr (prefers 8–10).
WaterDrought-tolerant; water at flowering/podding if very hot/dry.
SpacingUMD: sow 2–3 inches apart; rows 3–4 ft; cover ½–1 inch.
Days to harvestFast types 50–55 days; others 60–90 (UMD)
-3-2-1LF+1+2+3
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Updated

Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.

Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.

Southern peas / cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) — includes crowder and blackeye types. Warm-season legume; not cool-season English peas.

Cowpea blossom
Cowpea blossom (Vigna unguiculata). Photo: David E Mead, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (resized).

Planting timing

UMD: “Wait until all danger of frost is passed and the soil has warmed before planting.” Tender; frost damages tissue. Succession every 3 weeks for summer supply. (UMD southern peas) Aim for soil about 65°F — cold soils delay germination and invite seed decay. Planner: Direct sow last frost 0 with warm soil.

Depth and spacing

UMD: sow 2–3 inches apart; rows 3–4 ft; cover ½–1 inch.

Sun, soil and water

Full sun ≥6 hr (prefers 8–10). Low nutrient need; N-fixing legume — inoculant optional; excess N delays flowering (UMD). Drought-tolerant; water at flowering/podding if very hot/dry.

Care

Early weed control; mulch. Bush, semi-vining, or vining habits by type.

Harvest

UMD: fast types 50–55 days; others 60–90 days. Fresh: full-size peas in pod; dried: pods dry before split.

Pests and diseases

Clemson HGIC 2201: aphids — soapy water then rinse, or insecticidal soap; thrips — foil mulch, soap; Mexican bean beetle — handpick adults/egg masses; spider mites — soap, water spray; cowpea curculio — destroy vines promptly after last harvest and move the pea patch (MS State cultural notes; adults rarely fly). Prefer cultural/soap first; use any product only as labeled. (Clemson bean & southern pea insects)

Related: beans · lima beans · ZIP planner · organic pest control

Frequently asked questions

When do I plant southern peas / cowpeas?

After last frost when soil is warm (~65°F) (UMD).

Crowder and blackeye?

Types/aliases of Vigna unguiculata — same page.

Organic pest options?

Soap/water or insecticidal soap; handpick beetles; sanitation and site rotation for curculio (Clemson/MS State).

More grow guides: All grow guides

Sources