Vigna unguiculata

Chinese Snake Cowpea is not a yard-long bean but a standard cowpea variety that offers the resilience and productivity typical of this species. It produces medium-length pods ranging from 15 to 20 cm, ideal for gardeners who prefer manageable, compact plants without the sprawling vines of yard-long types. With a reliable growth habit and early yield, it is well suited to home gardens in warm regions of South Africa.

The pods have a crisp bite and a fresh, green flavour with earthy undertones. They are excellent for steaming, stir-frying or simmering in traditional curries and bean dishes. Harvested young, the pods are tender and stringless, while mature pods can be left to dry for use as dried beans. This dual-purpose quality makes it a practical choice for seasonal cooking and long-term storage.

Seeds should be sown directly into the soil once daytime temperatures remain above 18 °C. Plant seeds 2 to 3 cm deep with 10 to 15 cm spacing in rows 50 to 60 cm apart. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 10 days. Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil, and keep the soil evenly moist during the early growth phase and flowering.

This is a bush-type cowpea that reaches about 40 to 60 cm in height and does not require trellising. The plants mature quickly, usually within 60 to 70 days. For continuous production, harvest pods regularly. Allow some to mature fully for dried beans, which are excellent for stews or reseeding.

To optimise growth and soil enrichment, treat seeds before planting with SoyGro BeanFlo. This microbial inoculant enhances nitrogen fixation, improves root development and increases yield consistency, especially in nutrient-poor soils.

Standard packet contains approx 25 seeds

Petite packet contains approx 10 seeds

Using Peanutflo-Rhizobium bacteria when planting your peanuts/groundnuts/cowpeas/pigeon peas/mungbeans seed is the most cost effective way of putting nitrogen fixing bacteria into your soil, creating healthier soil for a more productive harvest.