How to Grow Black-Eyed Pea
Vigna unguiculata
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 15°C and soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed — cowpeas fix their own nitrogen. Light balanced feed at planting; avoid high nitrogen which promotes leafy growth at the expense of pods.
- One of the most heat-tolerant legumes. Thrives in poor soils and drought conditions that would stress other crops. Excellent nitrogen fixer — improves soil for following crops.
Companion Planting
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Growing Conditions
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- Direct sow
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 10 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Sow depth | 2.5 cm |
| Mature height | 60 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Care Guide
- Feeding
- Rarely needed — cowpeas fix their own nitrogen. Light balanced feed at planting; avoid high nitrogen which promotes leafy growth at the expense of pods.
- Watch for
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- Aphids on young shoots
- Whitefly
- Spider mites in hot dry weather
- Powdery mildew
- Root rot in waterlogged soil
Pests & Diseases
Pest Cowpea Aphid
Identification: Dense clusters of small black or green insects on growing tips and undersides of leaves; sticky honeydew residue
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Encourage ladybirds and lacewings
- Apply insecticidal soap spray
- Check harvest intervals for edible crops
Pest Whitefly
Identification: Tiny white winged insects that fly up when plant is disturbed; sticky deposits and yellowing leaves
- Yellow sticky traps
- Insecticidal soap spray
- Encourage natural predators
- Check harvest intervals for edible crops
Disease Powdery Mildew Erysiphe polygoni
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves and stems, especially in warm humid conditions or where airflow is poor
Treatment: Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Apply potassium bicarbonate spray.
Prevention: Space plants well, avoid overhead watering, choose resistant varieties where available
Disease Root Rot
Symptoms: Wilting despite moist soil; yellowing lower leaves; brown, soft roots when plant lifted
Treatment: No recovery once established — remove and dispose of affected plants
Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage; never sow into cold, wet soil; rotate crops annually
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 18°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–30°C |
| Base growth temperature | 15°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | short day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Black-Eyed Pea?
- Plant Black-Eyed Pea 10cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- Is Black-Eyed Pea frost hardy?
- Black-Eyed Pea is classified as Tender.
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