Black Eyed Pea (70 Days)

Also known as Cowpeas. This pea does well in hot weather but doesn’t like a chill – so in the north, you are probably better off treating it as a bean rather than a pea. Thrives in poor soil and due to the “nitrogen-fixing” capabilities of legumes will actually improve the nutrition of the soil over time. Bushy plants produce pods of white peas with a dark spot and can be used fresh or dried.

1 ounce =125-135 seeds

PLANTING

Vigna unguiculata 

Germination: 7-14 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-75ºF. 

Seed Sowing Depth: 1" deep

Sowing Outdoors- After the last frost when the soil temperature reaches 65ºF. Sow 1” deep, 2-4” apart.

How much does a packet plant: 25-30 foot single row

Harvest- When they are full-sized for shelling beans. Leave the pods on the vines to dry completely for dry beans. Very young pods are edible but tend to get tough quickly. Young leaves are edible and used fresh in salads or cook like spinach.

Tips- Average to fertile, well-drained soil. Keep watered during dry spells for maximum growth and harvests.