🌱 How to Grow Cowpea (Lobia Beans) from Seeds
Also known as:

• Hindi: लोबिया / चौला (Lobia / Chawla)

• Tamil: காராமணி (Kaaramani)

• Telugu: అలసంద (Alasanda)

• Malayalam: ആലപ്പയർ (Aalappayar)

• Kannada: ಅಲಸಂದೆ (Alasande)

• English: Cowpea / Black-eyed Pea / Lobia

• Botanical Name: Vigna unguiculata

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season legume

• Best time to sow:

  • Summer Crop: March–June

  • Monsoon Crop: July–August

  • Rabi Crop (South India): October–November

• Ideal temperature: 20°C to 35°C

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil

• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)

• Enrich with compost or aged manure

• Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils

3. 🌾 Sowing the Seeds

• Depth: 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Rows: 18–24 inches apart

  • Plants: 6–9 inches apart

• Soak seeds in water for 6–8 hours to improve germination

4. 💧 Watering

• Water immediately after sowing

• Keep soil moist until germination

• Once established, water moderately – cowpea is drought-tolerant

• Avoid overwatering (can cause root rot)

5. 🌿 Germination

• Seeds germinate in 5–8 days

• Thin seedlings if overcrowded

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires full sun (6–8 hours/day)

• Thrives in warm climates

• Protect young plants from extreme heat during peak summer

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before sowing

• Cowpeas fix their own nitrogen, so minimal fertilizer needed

• Optionally top-dress with potash-rich organic feed during flowering

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Common pests: aphids, pod borers, leafhoppers

• Common diseases: powdery mildew, rust

• Use neem oil + soap spray every 10–15 days

• Practice crop rotation and avoid overcrowding

9. 🌿 Harvesting

• First harvest in 60–75 days

• Harvest young, tender pods for fresh use

• For dry beans: allow pods to fully mature and dry on the plant

• Pick regularly to encourage continuous production

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• Leave a few pods to fully dry on the vine

• Collect and dry seeds in shade

• Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place

🌟 Health Benefits of Cowpea (Lobia Beans)

• Excellent source of protein, especially for vegetarians

• High in fiber – aids digestion

• Rich in iron, calcium, and folate

• Supports heart health and helps manage blood sugar