Cowpeas, the annual leguminous crop with very nutritious values that can grow in dry areas. It’s been an Africa food for many years and has crossed several continents. Its scientific name is Vigna Unguiculata and can flourish in Sandy soil or poor soil.
The crop is very useful for crop rotation with other cereals crops and it doesn’t need fertilizer for proper growth. It needs full sun to thrive, however, it should be watered regularly. When watering the crop, avoid the leaves because they may kill the plant.
Various Types of Cowpeas
There are various subspecies of cowpeas with loads of benefits and uniqueness that distinguish them from the other. The following are some of them which will be treated in this article.
- Yardlong bean
- Catjang
- Dixie Lee Pea
1) Yardlong Bean
Also referred to as Asparagus beans, Snake beans, or Chinese long beans is an annual legume that can thrive during summer anywhere worldwide. They can be consumed before the expected maturity size and grow up to 3 feet in length.
Growing Tips
I) Ensure to plant them during summer when the heat is up. Avoid planting during frost as that can impede its growth. The perfect time for planting is from match to early July.
II) Growing legumes (peas or other beans) in the previous year it was grown before is not recommended, instead, adopt crop rotation.
III) Use a nitrogen-fixing bacteria inoculant on the seed or in the soil at planting time to boost the yield.
IV) Transplanting its seeds is not allowed. Instead, sow them in a garden 1 inch deep with a space of 3-4 inches apart and eye facing down.
V) Instead of pulling, twist the bean off the vine to harvest it. At the terminal bud, asparagus beans are frequently produced in pairs.
Read also: How To Grow Cowpeas In South Africa
2) Catjang
The word kacang, which means “beans and nuts” in Indonesian, is the source of its name. Catjang is an erect, densely branched shrubby perennial of the Old World tropics that is native to Africa.
It is now also found growing in other warm climates. It is mainly used as fodder in the United States, but it is also grown as a food crop in other parts of the world.
Benefits
- Low in saturated fat.
- High in dietary fiber, protein, iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, and folate.
- Rich source of magnesium and folate.
Read also: How To Grow Cowpeas In Zambia
3) Dixie Lee Pea
Also known as southern peas is a Cowpea that can grow up to 7 inches long. The White Acre belongs to the creams, a colorless variety. However, you must be cautious when cultivating them.
They attract pests such as spider mites, aphids, and beetles, which can harm crops and cause infestations. If this happens, they must be isolated and eliminated as soon as possible, or the infestation may spread.
Growing Tips
- They can be grown in a garden.
- In wet climates with thick soil, they do not grow well.
- The soil’s pH value is crucial. It must be between 5.8 and 6.5 pH in a very limited range.
- If the vines are allowed to grow any higher, the peas will be trampled.
- They are ripe in about three months.
- Planting begins in April and continues until June when they begin to bear fruit.
Read also: How To Grow Cowpeas In Uganda
Conclusion
I hope you find this article helpful. I would like to hear from you. So, let me know if you have any questions about the types of Cowpeas. Also, learn how to grow Cowpeas in containers.
