{"product_id":"cowpea-california-blackeye-no-5","title":"Cowpea, California Blackeye No.5","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003cbr\u003eCowpeas, or Southern peas, are super-productive legumes, yielding plentitudes of 6–8\" pods loaded with large, delicious seeds. The most popular of Southern pea varieties, ‘California Blackeye’ produces peas with rich, gently sweet flavor and good, meaty texture, to be enjoyed fresh or dried. For fresh use, pick pods as soon as they are packed with seeds. Heat-tolerant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow to Sow and Plant\u003cbr\u003eBecause cowpeas are members of the legume family of plants, they can benefit from an application of a soil inoculant designed for beans and peas, prior to planting. The inoculant will enable the plants to take nitrogen from the air to use as fertilizer, which can increase crop yield and quality.\u003cbr\u003ePrepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.\u003cbr\u003eSow in average soil in a sunny location after danger of frost from late spring to early summer. Sow after the soil has warmed, as seeds may rot in cooler soils.\u003cbr\u003eCoat untreated seed with an inoculant.\u003cbr\u003eSow in rows 24 inches apart. Sow seeds 2-3 inches apart and cover with 2 inches of fine soil. Firm lightly and water gently.\u003cbr\u003eSeedlings emerge in 10-14 days depending on soil and weather conditions.\u003cbr\u003eKeep sowing bean seeds every 2 weeks for a constant supply of beans.\u003cbr\u003eThin gradually to stand 10 to 12 inches apart when seedlings are 1-2 inches high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow to Grow\u003cbr\u003eKeep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding.\u003cbr\u003eIn dry weather, keep soil well-watered. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.\u003cbr\u003eDo not work or handle plants when leaves are wet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTips\u003cbr\u003eFor fresh use, pick pods as soon as well-filled out with seeds.\u003cbr\u003eFor dried bean use, harvest about 80 days after seeds sprout.\u003cbr\u003eTo dry: Allow the cowpeas to stay on the plants until they are partially dry. Then pull up the plants and hang them in a warm, dry place with good air circulation until the pods and seeds are thoroughly dry. Shell the cowpeas and save the pods and plants for composting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Haiyiplants","offers":[{"title":"30 Seeds","offer_id":45186706341911,"sku":null,"price":4.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 Seeds","offer_id":45186706374679,"sku":null,"price":6.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Seeds","offer_id":45186706407447,"sku":null,"price":10.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200 Seeds","offer_id":45186706440215,"sku":null,"price":16.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1616\/5911\/files\/1_6ca19bd0-6f3b-493c-9dad-3a2de8047528.jpg?v=1780407104","url":"https:\/\/easytogrowbulb.com\/products\/cowpea-california-blackeye-no-5","provider":"Easytogrowbulb","version":"1.0","type":"link"}