Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
Cowpea (black-eyed pea) (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual vegetable in the Fabaceae family, native to West Africa (domesticated in the savanna belt). It grows 40–80 cm (16–31 in) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
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Cowpea (black-eyed pea) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–9 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young pods, fresh and dry seeds (cooked), young leaves |
| Native to | West Africa (domesticated in the savanna belt) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Cowpea (black-eyed pea) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: raw seeds
Raw seeds contain lectins and trypsin inhibitors that upset the stomach; cook thoroughly.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cowpea (black-eyed pea)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Root rots: Fusarium and Aphanomyces root rots build up where legumes repeat. Evidence C
Questions about Cowpea (black-eyed pea)
- How far apart should I plant Cowpea (black-eyed pea)?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Cowpea (black-eyed pea) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cowpea (black-eyed pea) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cowpea (black-eyed pea)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Cowpea (black-eyed pea) flower?
- About 6–9 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Cowpea (black-eyed pea) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Raw seeds contain lectins and trypsin inhibitors that upset the stomach; cook thoroughly.
- What grows well with Cowpea (black-eyed pea)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Bush and semi-trailing garden types assumed; some cultivars are photoperiod sensitive.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis
- Soybean (edamame) Glycine max