Cowpea
Vigna unguiculata

Cowpea Plant

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), an annual from Africa, grows 0.5-3 m in sandy loam with full sun, tolerates low moisture, and yields 0.4-0.8 kg of seeds, aiding heart health with minimal watering and 5:10:10 NPK.

Picture illustrating Cowpea plant

Habit

Annual

Height

0.5-3 m

Growth

Moderate

Soil

Sandy loam

Shade

Full Sun

Moisture

Low-Moderate

Edible

Yes (young pods)

Medicinal

Yes (antioxidants)

Origin

Africa

Climatic Condition

Tropical, subtropical

Temperature (°)

20-35

Humidity (%)

40-70

Potting media

50% sand, 30% compost, 20% peat

Fertilizers

Low nitrogen NPK (5:10:10)

Watering

Infrequent, drought-tolerant

Plant Weight 

~0.5-1.5 kg

Flowering Time

Summer

Soil Ph level

6.0-7.0

Water Ph level

6.0-7.0

Soil EC

0.5-1.0

Yield Per Plant 

0.4-0.8 kg

NPK ratio 

5:10:10

life Span

1 year

Health Benefits

Supports heart health, digestion

Suggested Grow Media or Potting Mix ?

50% sand, 30% compost, 20% peat


Suggested Fertigation/Fertilizers

Fertilize monthly with low-nitrogen NPK

Common Diseases and Remedies

Anthracnose, Bacterial Blight, Root-Knot Nematode, Cowpea Mosaic Virus, Powdery Mildew

Black lesions, Water-soaked spots, Galls on roots, Mottled leaves with stunted growth, White powdery coating

Remove debris, copper sprays, Crop rotation, resistant varieties, No organic cure, Neem oil, sulfur

In-Organic Remedies

Fungicides with chlorothalonil, Bactericides with copper hydroxide, Nematicides with aldicarb, No chemical cure, Fungicides with myclobutanil

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