When is the best season to plant cowpea?

Cowpea planting season and time

Cowpea planting is seasonal. It can be planted in February-March in spring, June-August in summer, or August-September in autumn. The planting time in northern regions can be slightly earlier.

There are many varieties of cowpea, most of which are cultivated varieties. The more common ones are Yandai cowpea, eight-inch cowpea, ground cowpea, seven-inch cowpea, Yang cowpea series, Nanjing Starlight series, etc. The planting time difference between different cowpea varieties is not much.

Cowpea harvest season

The harvest time of cowpea varies depending on the planting time. Its growth cycle ranges from 55 to 70 days, and it is mostly put on the market from June to September. Generally, it can produce 1,700 to 3,000 kilograms per acre, and the price is about 1 to 3 yuan per catty.

Cowpea planting steps and methods

1. Land preparation and fertilization

Before sowing, the ground should be plowed to a depth of 20-30 cm. In addition, some wood ash and rice husk ash should be applied as base fertilizer, and then the soil should be broken up and raked flat.

2. Sowing and seedling raising

Sprinkle the cowpea seeds on the prepared seedbed, using the hole sowing method, sowing 3-4 seeds in each hole. Cover with soil after sowing and wait for the seeds to germinate.

3. Harvest and save seeds

When harvesting cowpeas, be sure not to damage the flower buds of the plant, and harvest them before the seeds swell. Be patient when picking.