I generally give the at least 15-20' isolation distance, though the only cross I've ever had was when I planted them side by side. If you opt to wait on growing a variety you could seal them in a jar & seed should be good for at least 4 years. I've had seed last 11 years, in a jar, at room temperature, and still show 50% germination. If you keep the sealed jar in the freezer, you can leave planting it for your future grand kids!

George
Tahlequah, OK

Thanks, George. I should be able to plant mine at least 20 feet apart, some even more. Your response is a huge help. Thanks again.
Juanita

If you intend to keep seed for future use, you need that spacing. However if your going to eat all this years crop it doen't matter. The cross only appears in the offspring from this years seed.
I used to tell my relatives not to worry about integration. Their kids wouldn't turn black. Their grandkids might Lol.

Cowpeas are of genus Vigna. It may help to plant beans of another species, such as Phaseolus (common beans) between the crops of cowpeas. This gives the bees a chance to "wipe their feet" when moving from one variety of cow peas to another. Actually, a non-bean crop would work as a buffer if it attracted the same pollinator as the cow peas.

Jim

Thanks, everyone. As a committed heirloom gardener, I do intend to save seeds from the crowders. I have plenty of room and can space the plantings out as necessary. Right now, I have sections of tomatoes, okra or flowers between my bean varieties. When early beans are done, I'll replace them with crowders.

Crowders are rather uncommon here in Kentucky, but my native Louisiana neighbor shared some last summer that he raised. They were GOOD! He made a trip home and returned with these heirloom varieties. I want to raise them right, which is why I came to you all.

Thanks again!
Juanita

coolferd, I am in South Carolina.
If you are looking for field/cowpea, email me what you want & I will see what my seed store carries that is on your list.