When to plant cowpea (southern pea) in North Carolina
North Carolina spans USDA zones 7a–8b, so the right time to plant cowpea (southern pea) shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 29 in Goldsboro to May 16 in Boone — below are local dates for 96 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 8a | March 30 | November 3 | April 13 – April 27 |
| Raleigh | 8a | March 28 | November 8 | April 11 – April 25 |
| Greensboro | 8a | April 1 | November 4 | April 15 – April 29 |
| Durham | 8a | April 2 | November 4 | April 16 – April 30 |
| Winston-Salem | 8a | March 26 | November 9 | April 9 – April 23 |
| Fayetteville | 8a | March 30 | November 10 | April 13 – April 27 |
| Cary | 8a | March 27 | November 8 | April 10 – April 24 |
| Wilmington | 8b | March 19 | November 20 | April 2 – April 16 |
Cowpea (Southern Pea) in North Carolina: FAQ
When can I plant cowpea (southern pea) in North Carolina?
Across North Carolina, the time to direct-sow cowpea (southern pea) spans roughly March 29 in Goldsboro to May 16 in Boone, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the cowpea (southern pea) planting date vary across North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina publishes 96 cities with their own frost dates, so the right cowpea (southern pea) planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does cowpea (southern pea) take to grow in North Carolina?
Cowpea (Southern Pea) takes about 60–90 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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