A Southern favorite, this Cowpea or Southern Pea may used fresh or dried. Vines are heavy yielding and resistant to disease, growing to 40 inches. This variety is particularly suited to desert gardens as it is drought and heat resistant. It needs long hot summers to produce well and is very susceptible to frost. 60 days for dry, 45 days for snap.

COWPEAS

WHEN TO PLANT: after all danger of frost is past

DEPTH OF PLANTING: 1 to 2" deep

PLANTS APART IN ROWS (AFTER THINNING): 3" apart

DISTANCE BETWEEN ROWS: 18" apart

RAISED BED PLANTING GUIDE: After thinning, plants should be 4" apart throughout bed.

SOIL TYPE RECOMMENDED: sandy, composted, well drained soil

HARVEST: Pick when young for green snap beans. For dry use, allow entire vine to dry and brown.

TUCSON PLANTING INFORMATION: Cowpeas, particularly Asparagus beans, do extremely well in Tucson. Planting may be done from March 1 through July 15.