Growing California Balck-Eye Bush Bean (cowpeas) Garden Seeds

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To start growing cowpeas, sow the seeds directly outdoors, one inch deep in sandy soil. Leave two to three inches between plants, with twenty four inches between rows. Gently firm the soil, and lightly water. Be sure not to overwater the seeds, as roots that stay wet can become rotted. One inch of water each week will be enough. Maintain the weeds that may grow around the plant; these will compete with the plant for nutrients, so it's best to regularly remove these. When the pods are well filled out, they are ready to be picked.

Also known as Blackeye beans, Cowpeas, Southern peas, Crowder peas, Jhudunga, Barboti Kolai, Alasande, Lobhia, Bura, Chola, Chowla, and Chawali, these seeds have many different names and produce cream-colored or greenish-purple colored pods three to six inches long. They contain fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. They are also high in Vitamins A, C, and B6. Black-eyed peas have been shown to improve heart and brain health when eaten regularly. Black eyed peas can be canned, frozen or allowed to dry on the plant for later use. If you dry the peas for storage, first let the pods dry on the plant. Pick the pods and remove the peas. Store bean seeds in a sealed jar in a cool dry place.