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Cowpea Seeds

Cowpea seeds grow into healthy plants that are a valuable food crop for any survival garden. Cowpea plants are resilient, thriving in direct sun, and tolerant of different soil conditions. One of the most well-known cowpeas is the beloved black-eyed pea, a popular crop in gardens worldwide. As a legume, cowpeas can improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen. They are tolerant to drought and love hot summer weather.
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Survival Garden Seeds offers premium cowpeas for sale. These are ideal for anyone looking to cultivate a crop that's easy to grow and won’t deplete your soil. Our non-GMO seeds are selected for their high yield and excellent germination rates, so you will reap a good harvest.

Growing Cowpea Seeds in Your Garden

  • Rich in nutrients
  • Drought-tolerant, soil-enriching
  • Heirloom, non-GMO seeds
  • Ideal for fresh eating or dried

INTRODUCING COW PEAS

These legumes offer protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, which makes them a key ingredient in most cultures and many different dishes. They originally come from the African continent but are adaptable to many environments. Though cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 11, cow peas are particularly suited for hot, dry regions.

PLANTING COWPEAS

Cow peas’ growing cycle begins when you sow them directly into the soil. After the last frost, plant the seeds directly in the garden. Sow about 1 inch deep, spacing 3 to 4 inches apart. The distance between rows should be 2 - 3 feet. Some types of cowpeas will benefit from support trellises which can help with airflow, and save space.

MAINTAINING COWPEAS PLANTS

As relatively low-maintenance plants, cowpeas need only basic care. They are drought-tolerant and need little watering once established. Because they improve soil quality, they are perfect for crop rotation with other crops that require high soil fertility. Weed well, and mulch to help maintain soil moisture. Harvest pods regularly for fresh peas. Cowpeas can also be dried for long-term storage.

Start your growing season on time with cow pea seeds. Uncover the dual benefits of a crop that nourishes both the body and the garden. Cowpeas offer a resilient addition to a sustainable garden, providing fresh produce and enhancing soil fertility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques. You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds chemically treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our seeds. All of our garden seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

Will your seeds grow in my USDA Hardiness zone?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these garden seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO, heirloom varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.