How to grow cowpea on the balcony

Seedling cultivation

Cowpeas are usually sown directly, germinating in an environment of 25 to 30 degrees, and are more suitable for sowing in an environment of 20 degrees or above. First you need to water the soil and then sow the seeds. You can put three or four seeds in each hole. Then you need to thin out the seedlings, leaving two or three in a hole, and thin out again when three or four leaves grow. If you want to transplant, it is usually done three or four weeks after germination. The plant can be transplanted when it grows the first compound leaf or two true leaves.

Bracket

When the plant has about five or six true leaves, it is necessary to build a support. Usually, the support is set up in the afternoon or at noon on a clear day. At the beginning, you can lead the branches and vines onto the frame in a counterclockwise direction and secure them firmly with ropes. In the later stages, the vines have great winding abilities, so little human help is needed.

Fertilization

In the early stages of growth, there is not much need for excessive fertilization. After the plants are successfully planted and survive for a week, apply a thin layer of well-rotted organic fertilizer. From the growth of flower buds to maturity, fertilizer should be applied every 7 to 10 days, especially potassium fertilizer, which needs to be applied two or three times in a row.

temperature

Cowpea prefers warmth and is suitable for living in an environment of 20 to 30 degrees. It is relatively resistant to high temperatures, but not cold-resistant. Frost damage may occur if the temperature is below 5 degrees. When watering, do not water too much in the early stage. Wait until the inflorescences on the main vine have formed half of the pods and then water them sufficiently.