Cowpeas are usually grown rainfed, rarely irrigated. Calcium ions in the soil aid inoculation. In the United States, application of ca. 1 MT of lime is recommended and favors seed increase more than hay increase. Harvesting Early maturing cvs produce pods in 50 days, seed in 90 days, late cvs mature seed in 240 days.
Crop ripens unevenly and proper Stage for harvesting is difficult to determine.
Usually flowers and green and ripe pods occur on vines at same time. May be harvested by hand, with a special harvester or by self-rake reapers. For hay, crop cut when most pods are fully developed, and first ones have ripened. Ordinary mowing machine is used for harvesting cowpeas. Yields and Economics Yields vary with cv climate, soil, and culture.