Bean Seeds - Bush - Phenomenal (Cowpeas)
60-70 Days to maturity. Vigna unguiculata. Phenomenal Cowpea Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, high-yielding, bush, shelling bean (cowpea). Drought and heat resistant. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Otherwise known as Southern Peas, Black-Eyed Peas, or Field Peas. Cowpeas were originally cultivated in Africa and then brought to the Southern United States, where they are a staple in Southern cuisine. Phenomenal Bush Cowpea Beans are renowned for their adaptability to poor soils and their nitrogen-fixing ability, which improves soil health. The name “phenomenal” is based on its high phenolic content of antioxidants, amino acids, and folates. A very nutritious variety. ~180 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Phenomenal Cowpea Beans in the Vegetable Garden
To plant Phenomenal Bush Cowpea Beans, start by directly sowing the seeds into the garden after the last frost date when the soil has warmed to at least 65 F. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-drained soil. Space the seeds 4-6 inches apart within rows that are 18-24 inches apart. This spacing allows the bushy plants enough room to grow without overcrowding, which helps with air circulation and reduces the risk of disease. Plant cowpeas in a sunny spot, as they thrive in full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Cowpeas are drought-resistant but perform best with consistent moisture. Water the plants deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water. In extremely hot or dry conditions, increase the frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
These beans do well in moderately fertile soils and do not require heavy fertilization. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage foliage growth at the expense of bean production. A side-dressing of compost midway through the growing season can be beneficial.
Keep the area around the plants free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulching with straw or grass clippings can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Regularly inspect the plants for signs of pests such as aphids, beetles, and caterpillars. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if pests become problematic. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases.
Harvesting Phenomenal Cowpea Beans
Phenomenal Bush Cowpea Beans are typically ready to harvest 60-70 days after planting. These beans are primarily grown as a shelling variety, meaning they are harvested for their seeds rather than being eaten as green pods. To determine when to harvest, check the pods. They should be fully filled out and yellow. For dried beans, wait until the pods are brown and dry before picking.
Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the pods from the plants, avoiding damage to the plant. For dried beans, allow the pods to dry on the plant, then shell them and let the beans dry completely before storage.
About Phenomenal Cowpea Bean Garden Seeds
These beans are loved for their high yield and nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
These beans were bred for their resilience in hot and arid climates, as well as their ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
They are considered lucky when eaten on New Year's Day in the Southern United States, a tradition known as eating Hoppin' John.
Cowpeas also make a fantastic cover crop as they fix nitrogen from the atmosphere back into the soil. This reduces the need for the soil to be fertilized overtime and all around improve soil fertility.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Cowpeas grow well alongside corn, cucumbers, and strawberries. Avoid planting them near onions and garlic, as these can inhibit their growth."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Phenomenal Cowpea Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 180 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 720 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 2,880 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 9,000 Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 45,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Phenomenal Cowpea Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Vigna unguiculata |
| Bean Sub-Type: | Not Applicable. |
| Phenomenal Cowpea Bean Color: | Green pod matures to yellow, Tan-Cream and Black mottled bean |
| Phenomenal Cowpea Bean Flavor: | Earthy and nutty |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 60-70 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 4-6 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 18-24 inches |
| Plant Height: | 18-30 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F). |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes, direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 60 F. Planting with an inoculant may increase yields, but is certainly not required for a successful grow. |
| Start Indoors: | Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting. |
| Bean Pollination: | Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having a variety of pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by ensuring the greatest chances for pollinating events to occur. |
| Snap or Shell Bean: | Shell - Shell beans have a non-edible woody or fibrous husk that contains the edible beans within. For example, edamame has the beans inside, but you wouldn't want to eat the husk. Shell beans are also sometimes referred to as shelling beans. |
| Pole or Bush Bean: | Bush - Bush beans grow on low-growing, compact, upright, bushy plants that typically do not need a trellis, pole, or other support. Bush beans are usually favorable to container growing. |
| Plant Width: | 12-18 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Mid - Ready for harvest around 66-86 days. |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 70-90 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keeping your bean plants clean from dust build-up and surrounded by a variety of plants to help deter and prevent pest damage. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Containers (12-18 inches wide and deep) |
| Bean Use: | Soups, stews, and chili. Commonly used in a traditional South Carolinian dish called Hoppin’ John. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat and Drought-Resistant |