Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) also known as black eyed pea is one of the most important and popular leguminous vegetables. Locally known as chowli, it is cultivated for its long, green pods to be cooked as vegetable or for dry seeds used as pulse. A perfect vegetable for partially shaded windows and balconies of city apartments.
Lights, Water, Action
Got the seeds, now, let'em shoot!
Light
Partial sunlight
Watering
Alternate (winter), everyday (summer)
Where to grow
Balcony or window sills
Time Till Harvest
7-8 weeks
Seasonal Information
All seasons
Growth stages
One step at a time, with a lil water and light.
Sow the seeds 0.5 cm deep in well composted soil
Space the seedlings at 60cm by 30cm
Germination will take place in 6-8 days
Harvest 45-50 days from sowing
Sow, Grow, Reap
Good things take time and care
Sowing
Cowpea seeds can be sown throughout the year.
Seeds are sown directly in raised beds or containers.
Big sized circular pots or grow-bag with 12 to 14” diameter and minimum depth of 8-10 inches
Growing medium: 2 part garden soil & 1 part cow manure; or 1 part garden soil, 1 part coco-peat & 1 part Vermicompost.
Take a container of your choice with drainage holes at the bottom.
Fill the container with proper potting layers & selected growing medium.
Sow 2 seeds at the centre of the pot. On raised beds, sow two seeds per spot in a spacing of 2 x 2 ft.
Push the seeds a little in the soil medium with your fingers & completely cover them with surrounding soil. Cowpea Seeds can be sown 0.5 to 1 cm deep.
Water the sown seed bed immediately by a light shower using a watering can.
Seeds will germinate within the first 6-8 days & tiny sprouts will be visible.
Caring
The Cowpea plant enjoys full sunlight. Therefore your raised bed should be made at a bright sunny spot. Keep the Cowpea container under open sunlight. However Partial shade can be tolerated.
As the cowpea plants start to grow, it needs support of trellis as it is a weak stemmed twiner.
Water your potted Cowpea plant every alternate day in winter & every day in summer. Water at the soil near the plant. Use a watering can to make sure that the plants get water in the form of a shower & not by a single flow. You can also make provision for watering by drip irrigation system for your raised beds.
As mentioned earlier, add good quality organic manure in the soil with 2:1 ratio before sowing seeds. Organic fertilizer can be well rotten cow dung manure, farmyard manure, compost or vermicompost
When your Cowpea plant is more than 45 days old, provide one tablespoon of 15:15:15 (NPK) fertilizer per plant or mix a handful of Vermicompost in the soil around each plant.
Harvesting: (45 to 50 days from sowing) Cowpea plant will start flowering in the second month. You can start harvesting fresh cowpea pods after 45-50 days on seed sowing. Harvesting is done for green pods as well as beans.Harvesting season can continue till next 3 months.
Common Problems
Why is my cowpea plant dying? Cowpea is a robust plant but it can get insect infestation during the pod bearing stage. Always look for the early signs of any insectinfections. Spray appropriate medicines as soon as any symptoms of such diseases are spotted. Why is my plant not growing? Loosen the soil around the plant. Provide additional soil, and organic manure to the plant every 15 days.
Spill the tea
All the plant gossip, through the grapevine. Pun intended
Plants with benefits
Cowpea or black-eyed pea maintain cholesterol levels, remove free radicals, control blood sugar level, treat stomach, cardiovascular ailments and also help in weight loss. Apart from this, this pea variety is extremely beneficial for maintaining healthy hair and skin
What you get
Cowpea pods provide carbohydrates, proteins, antioxidants and dietary fibreCowpea seeds provide a rich source of proteins and calories, as well as minerals like iron & phosphorus and vitamins like B complex.
Green trivia
1.Cowpea is one of the oldest crops known to mankind. In India, cowpea has been known since Vedic period and it is grown almost throughout the country.
2.Cowpeas leaves and immature seed pods are also be consumed in some parts India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When can I harvest cowpea pods?
The harvesting starts from 45 to 50 days from sowing which may continue up to 100 days in flushes. The pods are harvested when adequately developed and remain tender. Picking the pods 15 days after pod setting is ideal for vegetable purposes.
What type of planting mixture does the cowpea need?
Cowpea can be grown almost in any type of soil, but well drained loam or slightly heavy soils are better. A standard, universal potting mixture is sufficient.
How often do you need to water the cowpea plant?
Potted plants should be watered every alternate day. Cowpea plants can tolerate drought to some extent but cannot tolerate waterlogging.
What is Cowpea (Lobia Beans) also popularly known as in India?
Regionally in India, Cowpea (Lobia Beans) is also known as Lobia, Barbati.
https://www.ugaoo.com/cowpea-lobia-beans-25-seeds.html?___store=english1197Cowpea Seeds (Lobia Beans)https://media.ugaoo.com/catalog/product/cache/bf904fa088be7169b4178c352b6a4f7a/c/o/cowpealobiabeans_pkt_1.png85145.000000INRInStock/Seeds/Seeds/Vegetable Seeds/Seeds/Vegetable Seeds/Kitchen Garden Seeds/Seeds/Vegetable Seeds/Easy to Grow Vegetables/Seeds/Vegetable Seeds/Indian Essential VegetablesCowpea is an annual, very productive and heat adapted legume which grows well even in dry regions.
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) also known as black eyed pea is one of the most important and popular leguminous vegetables. Locally known as chowli, it is cultivated for its long, green pods to be cooked as vegetable or for dry seeds used as pulse. A perfect vegetable for partially shaded windows and balconies of city apartments.15https://media.ugaoo.com/catalog/product/c/o/cowpea.jpghttps://media.ugaoo.com/catalog/product/c/o/cowpea-left.pnghttps://media.ugaoo.com/catalog/product/c/o/cowpea-right.pngadd-to-cartNoAll Seasons, Monsoon, Summer, Winter60-75 days<a href="/buy-seeds-online-india/vegetable-seeds-online.html">Vegetable Seeds</a><section class="growthStages section-container">
<div class="sectionHead">
<h2>Growth stages</h2>
<p>One step at a time, with a lil water and light.</p>
</div>
<div class="growthStagesWrap">
<div class="asideSection pure-u-lg-1-4 pure-u-md-1-3 pure-u-sm-1-3 pure-u-1-1"><img title="Sow the seeds in a big pot and water it daily" src="/media/wysiwyg/sowing_icon.png" alt="Sow the seeds in a big pot and water it daily" />
<p>Sow the seeds 0.5 cm deep in well composted soil</p>
</div>
<div class="asideSection pure-u-lg-1-4 pure-u-md-1-3 pure-u-sm-1-3 pure-u-1-1"><img title="Make sure the plant gets partial sunlight" src="/media/wysiwyg/spacing_icon.png" alt="Make sure the plant gets partial sunlight" />
<p>Space the seedlings at 60cm by 30cm</p>
</div>
<div class="asideSection pure-u-lg-1-4 pure-u-md-1-4 pure-u-sm-1-4 pure-u-1-1"><img title="Create a support system for the leaves and stems" src="/media/wysiwyg/germination_icon.png" alt="Create a support system for the leaves and stems" />
<p>Germination will take place in 6-8 days</p>
</div>
<div class="asideSection pure-u-lg-1-5 pure-u-md-1-4 pure-u-sm-1-4 pure-u-1-1"><img title="Create a support system for the leaves and stems" src="/media/wysiwyg/harvest_icon.png" alt="Create a support system for the leaves and stems" />
<p>Harvest 45-50 days from sowing</p>
</div>
</div>
</section><section class="importantTips section-container">
<div class="sectionHead">
<h2>Spill the tea</h2>
<p>All the plant gossip, through the grapevine. Pun intended</p>
</div>
<div class="importantTipsIn">
<div class="asideSection healthier1"><img title="Plants growing in containers need more fertilizing than those in the ground. The more you water, the more quickly you flush the nutrients out of the soil." src="/media/wysiwyg/cowpealobiabeans_hwh1.jpg" alt="Plants growing in containers need more fertilizing than those in the ground. The more you water, the more quickly you flush the nutrients out of the soil." /></div>
<div class="asideSection healthiertext1">
<h2>Plants with benefits</h2>
<p>Cowpea or black-eyed pea maintain cholesterol levels, remove free radicals, control blood sugar level, treat stomach, cardiovascular ailments and also help in weight loss. Apart from this, this pea variety is extremely beneficial for maintaining healthy hair and skin</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="importantTipsIn">
<div class="asideSection healthier1 mobileImgShow"><img title="Plants growing in containers need more fertilizing than those in the ground. The more you water, the more quickly you flush the nutrients out of the soil." src="/media/wysiwyg/cowpealobiabeans_hwh2.jpg" alt="Plants growing in containers need more fertilizing than those in the ground. The more you water, the more quickly you flush the nutrients out of the soil." /></div>
<div class="asideSection healthiertext1 alignRight">
<h2>What you get</h2>
<p>Cowpea pods provide carbohydrates, proteins, antioxidants and dietary fibreCowpea seeds provide a rich source of proteins and calories, as well as minerals like iron & phosphorus and vitamins like B complex.</p>
</div>
<div class="asideSection healthier1 mobileImgHide"><img title="Plants growing in containers need more fertilizing than those in the ground. The more you water, the more quickly you flush the nutrients out of the soil." src="/media/wysiwyg/cowpealobiabeans_hwh2.jpg" alt="Plants growing in containers need more fertilizing than those in the ground. The more you water, the more quickly you flush the nutrients out of the soil." /></div>
</div>
<div class="importantTipsIn">
<div class="asideSection healthier1"><img title="Plants growing in containers need more fertilizing than those in the ground. The more you water, the more quickly you flush the nutrients out of the soil." src="/media/wysiwyg/cowpealobiabeans_hwh3.jpg" alt="Plants growing in containers need more fertilizing than those in the ground. The more you water, the more quickly you flush the nutrients out of the soil." /></div>
<div class="asideSection healthiertext1">
<h2>Green trivia</h2>
<p><b>1.</b>Cowpea is one of the oldest crops known to mankind. In India, cowpea has been known since Vedic period and it is grown almost throughout the country.</p>
<p><b>2.</b>Cowpeas leaves and immature seed pods are also be consumed in some parts India.</p>
</div>
</div>
</section><section class="staticSection faqSection section-container">
<h1>Frequently Asked Questions</h1>
<div class="staticIn accordian accordianQtn">
<h2>When can I harvest cowpea pods?<span></span></h2>
<div class="careerDesc">
<p>The harvesting starts from 45 to 50 days from sowing which may continue up to 100 days in flushes. The pods are harvested when adequately developed and remain tender. Picking the pods 15 days after pod setting is ideal for vegetable purposes. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="staticIn accordian accordianQtn">
<h2>What type of planting mixture does the cowpea need? <span></span></h2>
<div class="careerDesc">
<p>Cowpea can be grown almost in any type of soil, but well drained loam or slightly heavy soils are better. A standard, universal potting mixture is sufficient. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="staticIn accordian accordianQtn">
<h2>How often do you need to water the cowpea plant?<span></span></h2>
<div class="careerDesc">
<p>Potted plants should be watered every alternate day. Cowpea plants can tolerate drought to some extent but cannot tolerate waterlogging. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="staticIn accordian accordianQtn">
<h2>What is Cowpea (Lobia Beans) also popularly known as in India?<span></span></h2>
<div class="careerDesc">
<p>Regionally in India, Cowpea (Lobia Beans) is also known as Lobia, Barbati.</p>
</div>
</div>
</section><section class="seedSowing section-container">
<div class="sectionHead">
<h2>Sow, Grow, Reap</h2>
<p>Good things take time and care</p>
</div>
<div class="seedSowingWrap seedSowingWrap2">
<div class="seedSowingWrapIn">
<div class="asideSection seedshowingimg">
<img src="/media/wysiwyg/sowing.jpg" alt="Take a seedling tray with medium sized cells & drainage holes at the" title="Take a seedling tray with medium sized cells & drainage holes at the">
</div><div class="asideSection seedshowdesc seedSowingDesc">
<h3>Sowing</h3>
<ul>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Cowpea seeds can be sown throughout the year.</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Seeds are sown directly in raised beds or containers.</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Big sized circular pots or grow-bag with 12 to 14” diameter and minimum depth of 8-10 inches</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Growing medium: 2 part garden soil & 1 part cow manure; or 1 part garden soil, 1 part coco-peat & 1 part Vermicompost.</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Take a container of your choice with drainage holes at the bottom.</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Fill the container with proper potting layers & selected growing medium.</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Sow 2 seeds at the centre of the pot. On raised beds, sow two seeds per spot in a spacing of 2 x 2 ft.</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Push the seeds a little in the soil medium with your fingers & completely cover them with surrounding soil. Cowpea Seeds can be sown 0.5 to 1 cm deep.</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Water the sown seed bed immediately by a light shower using a watering can.</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Seeds will germinate within the first 6-8 days & tiny sprouts will be visible. </li></p>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="seedSowingWrapIn">
<div class="asideSection seedshowingimg">
<img src="/media/wysiwyg/growing.jpg" alt="Fill the cells/cups with a moist coco-peat medium" title="Fill the cells/cups with a moist coco-peat medium">
</div><div class="asideSection seedshowdesc seedSowingDesc">
<h3>Caring</h3>
<ul>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">The Cowpea plant enjoys full sunlight. Therefore your raised bed should be made at a bright sunny spot. Keep the Cowpea container under open sunlight. However Partial shade can be tolerated.</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">As the cowpea plants start to grow, it needs support of trellis as it is a weak stemmed twiner.</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Water your potted Cowpea plant every alternate day in winter & every day in summer. Water at the soil near the plant. Use a watering can to make sure that the plants get water in the form of a shower & not by a single flow. You can also make provision for watering by drip irrigation system for your raised beds. </li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">As mentioned earlier, add good quality organic manure in the soil with 2:1 ratio before sowing seeds. Organic fertilizer can be well rotten cow dung manure, farmyard manure, compost or vermicompost</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">When your Cowpea plant is more than 45 days old, provide one tablespoon of 15:15:15 (NPK) fertilizer per plant or mix a handful of Vermicompost in the soil around each plant.</li></p>
<p><li style="list-style: disc;">Harvesting: (45 to 50 days from sowing) Cowpea plant will start flowering in the second month. You can start harvesting fresh cowpea pods after 45-50 days on seed sowing. Harvesting is done for green pods as well as beans.Harvesting season can continue till next 3 months.</li></p>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="seedSowingWrapIn">
<div class="asideSection seedshowingimg">
<img src="/media/wysiwyg/common-problem.jpg" alt="Hold the seeds and sow 2-3 seeds per cell/cup. Since Lavender seeds are small in size, do not sow them deep" title="Hold the seeds and sow 2-3 seeds per cell/cup. Since Lavender seeds are small in size, do not sow them deep">
</div><div class="asideSection seedshowdesc seedSowingDesc">
<h3>Common Problems</h3>
<p><b>Why is my cowpea plant dying?</b><br>
<span>Cowpea is a robust plant but it can get insect infestation during the pod bearing stage. Always look for the early signs of any insectinfections. Spray appropriate medicines as soon as any symptoms of such diseases are spotted.</span><br>
<b>Why is my plant not growing?</b><br>
<span>Loosen the soil around the plant. Provide additional soil, and organic manure to the plant every 15 days.</span><br>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section><section class="didYouKnow section-container">
<div class="sectionHead">
<h2>Lights, Water, Action</h2>
<p>Got the seeds, now, let'em shoot!</p>
</div>
<div class="didYouKnowIn">
<div class="asideSection pure-u-lg-2-5 pure-u-md-2-5 pure-u-1-1">
<div class="didYouKnowInText">
<ul>
<li>
<img src="/media/wysiwyg/light_icon.png" title="Bright Indirect Sunlight" alt="Bright Indirect Sunlight">
<h4>Light </h4>
<p>Partial sunlight</p>
</li>
<li>
<img src="/media/wysiwyg/watering_icon.png"" title="Water Once A Week" alt="Water Once A Week">
<h4>Watering</h4>
<p>Alternate (winter), everyday (summer)</p>
</li>
<li>
<img src="/media/wysiwyg/wheretogrow_icon.png" title="Indoor" alt="Indoor">
<h4>Where to grow</h4>
<p>Balcony or window sills</p>
</li>
<li>
<img src="/media/wysiwyg/timetillharvest_icon.png" title="Average Warmth" alt="Average Warmth">
<h4>Time Till Harvest </h4>
<p>7-8 weeks</p>
</li>
<li>
<img src="/media/wysiwyg/seasonalinformation_icon.png" title="Low Maintenance" alt="Low Maintenance">
<h4>Seasonal Information</h4>
<p>All seasons</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div><div class="asideSection pure-u-lg-3-5 pure-u-md-3-5 pure-u-1-1">
<div class="didYouKnowInImg">
<img src="/media/wysiwyg/cowpealobiabeans_dyk.jpg" title="Did You Know" alt="Did You Know">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>Pyramid SeedsBeansAll Time, Jan to March, June to Aug, Oct to NovClimberBalcony, Lawn-Backyard, Terrace23 g15 cm10 cm1 cmApprox. 115 to 128 Seeds16 g10 to 12 Kg/Ha60 cm x 30 cm6 to 8 days from sowingVegetable Mix 5 g Per Plant | Organic - Neemcake or vermicompost 10 g Per PlantAll year Round80 to 100 Qtl/Ha
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