Snake Beans (cow peas)
These hardy beans are extremely heat and drought tolerant. Cowpeas are very popular in the south, and are also known as the poor man's bean. Cowpeas were believed to be brought across the Atlantic and were believed to have been brought to the U.S around 1675. They are also popular in the east where they are known as the snake bean or Chinese long bean.
The peas got their name as their reputation was that they were only grown to feed cows. Moooooooove all misconceptions aside, this bean is utterly delicious! The young pods are great mixed with kale, mustard, and collard greens. Eat with rice for a perfect protein that is gluten free and vegan. These can be prepared the same way asparagus or snap peas are prepared.
Cowpeas are prolific to say the least. Their vines will produce generous amounts of beans. The flavor is a standard bean type flavor but sweeter and grassier. Each cylindrical bean will reach an average length of 30 inches long.
Although the cowpea can thrive in hot conditions, it does well in other conditions as well. The cowpea does prefer drier conditions so irrigation or bottom watering is highly recommended. Like all beans, the cowpea creates nitrogen which goes back into your soil, like a natural fertilizer. If anything, grow the cowpea to improve nitrogen levels for your veggies around them.
Seed count: 20
Botanic name:
Vigna unguiculata
Plant spacing:
2-3 inches apart
Color:
Light green
Sowing depth:
1 inch
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
Steamed and salted, boiled, sauteed, cut up fresh, or used in place of asparagus.
Frost hardy:
No
Maturity days:
75-80 days
Life cycle:
Annual
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
Crowder pea, snake pea, southern pea, niebe, China long bean, yardlong bean, long-podded cowpea, asparagus bean, snake bean, field peas, stock peas, southern peas, cow peas, Texas cream, Whip or will, Mississippi silver, black eyed peas
Bush / Pole Type:
Pole
Vine Habit:
