GREEN MANURE Cowpea Cover Crop Seeds
Botanical Name: Vigna unguiculata
Fixes nitrogen fast.
Tolerates heat and drought.
Improves soil structure and fertility in summer.
Cowpea is a vigorous, warm-season legume ideal for green manuring, soil conditioning, and weed suppression. Known for its ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions, Cowpea is widely used in regenerative systems across Australia to fix nitrogen, improve soil health, and create a dense canopy that shades out weeds. Suitable for market gardens, orchards, and broadacre systems, especially during summer fallow or rotation periods.
- Fast-growing summer legume with strong nitrogen-fixing ability.
- Deep roots break through compacted soils and improve water infiltration.
- Thick foliage suppresses weeds and protects soil from sun and erosion.
- Drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soil types.
- Excellent in vegetable rotations, between cash crops, or as a living mulch.
Plant Details:
- Plant Type: Warm-season annual legume and green manure
- Coverage: Approx. 500–700 m² per kg (broadcast)
Sowing Information:
- Sow When:
Temperate Regions: October–January
Subtropical Regions: September–February
Tropical Regions: October–April
Arid Regions: After rain or with irrigation (Spring–Summer) - Germination: 5–10 days
- Depth: Sow 2–3 cm deep
- Position: Full sun
- Sow Where: Broadcast or sow in rows 30 cm apart
- Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; avoid waterlogging
Management:
- Water to establish; minimal irrigation required once established.
- Cut or mow before flowering to prevent seed set and return biomass to the soil.
Harvest and Incorporation:
Chop and dig in 6–10 weeks after sowing, or before flowering for maximum nitrogen content. In no-dig systems, cut and lay on the surface as mulch to smother weeds and feed soil microbes.
When to Sow Cowpea in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | October–January | Sow after frost when soil has warmed. |
| Subtropical | September–February | Plant early in the wet season or during spring rotations. |
| Tropical | October–April | Grow during wet season with good drainage. |
| Cool | November–January | Ensure no risk of frost; sow in warm soil. |
| Arid | Spring–Summer (after rain) | Irrigate or sow after rainfall; mulch to retain moisture. |
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 5–10 days |
| Sowing Depth | 2–3 cm |
| Watering | Minimal once established; drought-tolerant. |
| Growth Period | 6–10 weeks |
| Incorporation | Cut before flowering; dig in or mulch on surface. |