Vigna unguiculata
TAXONOMY
FamilyFabaceae
GenusVigna
Zone10
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Vigna unguiculata, commonly known as cowpea, is a scrambling annual plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to Africa and thrives in seasonally dry tropical climates. The plant is known for its versatility and is cultivated for its edible beans, which are a staple in many parts of the world.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Cowpea
Dolichos Catiang
Dolichos Melanophtalmus
Dolichos Unguiculatus
Phaseolus Ellipticus
Phaseolus Unguiculatus
Dolichos catjang
Dolichos unguiculata
Vigna catjang
Vigna catjiang
Vigna scabra
Vigna sinensis subsp. cylindrica
Vigna sinensis subsp. sinensis
Vigna sinensis var. catjang
Vigna sinensis var. spontea
Vigna unguiculata var. catjang
Vigna unguiculata var. unguiculata
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD1,200
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Cowpeas require bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. They thrive in warm temperatures and moderate humidity. Regular watering is necessary, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. The plant prefers a seasonally dry environment and can tolerate drought conditions once established.Harvest
Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) are typically ready for harvest about 60 to 100 days after planting, with the average being around 80 days. Harvesting should be done when the pods are fully mature and have turned a light brown color. To harvest, pick the pods by hand, ensuring to do so before they split open and release the seeds. It is important to regularly check the plants to avoid over-mature pods, which can lead to seed loss. After harvesting, the pods should be dried thoroughly before shelling to ensure the seeds are properly preserved.Soil
Cowpeas grow best in well-draining loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The soil should be kept moderately dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Good drainage is essential to avoid waterlogged conditions.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10 is recommended for cowpeas. Fertilize the plant at the beginning of the growing season and again midway through the season to promote healthy growth and bean production.Repotting
Cowpeas can be repotted if necessary, especially if grown in containers. Repotting should be done at the beginning of the growing season. Choose a larger pot with good drainage and fresh loam soil to accommodate the plant's growth.Propagation
Cowpeas are typically propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds directly into the soil after the last frost when the soil has warmed up. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 3-4 inches apart. Germination usually occurs within 7-10 days.Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for cowpeas to encourage bushier growth and increase bean production. Prune the plant by pinching off the tips of the main stems and removing any dead or diseased foliage. Pruning should be done during the growing season.Toxicity
Cowpeas are not toxic to pets or humans. All parts of the plant, including the beans, are safe for consumption. However, it is always advisable to cook the beans before eating to improve digestibility.Additional
Cowpeas are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This makes them an excellent choice for crop rotation and soil improvement.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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