Vigna unguiculata
Sunlight
Full sun — short day plant
Water
Very drought-tolerant — grows with 300-500 mm rainfall. Taproot accesses deep soil moisture.
Soil
Tolerates sandy, low-fertility soils. pH 5.5-7.5. Good drainage essential.
Temperature
Optimal 25-35°C. Heat tolerant — one of few crops productive above 35°C.
Humidity
Low to moderate. High humidity promotes Cercospora leaf spot and storage pests.
Season
Warm season — 60-80 days (extra-early) to 100-120 days (late). Planted at onset of rainy season.
Updated February 2026
क्या यह Cowpea (Black-eyed Pea) है?
फोटो अपलोड करें और हमारा AI देखभाल गाइड और उगाने के सुझावों के साथ प्रजाति पहचानता है।
Overview
Cowpea is the most important grain legume in sub-Saharan Africa and a crop uniquely suited to semi-arid conditions. It is extremely drought-tolerant, fixes nitrogen, and provides high-quality protein (25%) to communities where animal protein is scarce. Nigeria produces 60% of the world's cowpea. The entire plant is used: grain for human food, leaves as vegetable, and haulms (vines) as animal fodder. Cowpea matures in 60-80 days, faster than most other legumes, making it ideal for short growing seasons. It is a key component of cereal-legume intercropping systems that sustain African agriculture.
Plant Health
Cowpea (Black-eyed Pea) is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Early detection is critical — use the CuraPlant app to scan leaves and get an instant AI diagnosis.
Cultivation Guide
Plant at 75 × 20 cm spacing for sole crop, wider for intercropping
Minimal fertilizer needed — cowpea fixes its own nitrogen
Apply phosphorus (20-30 kg P2O5/ha) for vigorous nodulation and root growth
Spray for flower thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti) at flowering — critical for pod set
Harvest early-maturing pods promptly to encourage continued production
Store dry grain in airtight containers with neem leaves or hermetic bags (PICS bags) to prevent bruchid damage
Companion Planting
Strategic companion planting reduces pest pressure, improves pollination, and can significantly increase yields.
Climate & Regions
Active climate zones for Cowpea (Black-eyed Pea) are highlighted below.
Tropical
Suitable
Subtropical
Suitable
Temperate
Not typical
Mediterranean
Not typical
Highland
Not typical
Arid / Semi-arid
Suitable
Specific Zones & Regions
Common Questions
Cowpea (Black-eyed Pea) grows best during the warm season — 60-80 days (extra-early) to 100-120 days (late). planted at onset of rainy season.. It requires optimal 25-35°c. heat tolerant — one of few crops productive above 35°c. and full sun — short day plant. In tropical regions with consistent warmth, it can often be grown year-round with proper irrigation.
Cowpea (Black-eyed Pea) is commonly affected by Cowpea Mosaic. Regular crop monitoring, good air circulation, avoiding overhead irrigation, and using disease-resistant varieties are the most effective prevention strategies.
Cowpea (Black-eyed Pea) grows best in tolerates sandy, low-fertility soils. ph 5.5-7.5. good drainage essential.. For irrigation: very drought-tolerant — grows with 300-500 mm rainfall. taproot accesses deep soil moisture.. Maintaining proper soil moisture without waterlogging is critical — Cowpea (Black-eyed Pea) is sensitive to both drought stress and root rot from excess water.
Cowpea (Black-eyed Pea) grows well alongside millet, sorghum, maize. These companions help repel pests, improve pollination, or provide ground cover.
CuraPlant
Scan any leaf with your phone and get an instant AI diagnosis, treatment guide, and prevention plan — even offline.
