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Black Eyed Peas are a favorite in southern vegetable gardens. Also called Cowpeas, both the bean and young leaves are edible. Many gardeners grow them, and never knew the leaves are edible, too. Black Eyed Peas grow well in warmer, southern areas of the country. But, you should also be able to grow them "up north". There are vining and non-vining varieties.

Black Eyed peas inside a slender pod. The 6" - 10" pods look like a green bean. Inside are tan colored beans. "Black Eyed Peas" have a black circle on it with a beige spot in the middle of the circle. "Pink Eye" peas have a pink circle in the middle.

Days to Maturity:

Ranges from 80 to 90 days depending on variety.

Sowing Black Eyed Pea Seeds:

Plant outdoors after the last frost date, and when the soil has warmed. Sow seeds directly into the garden. Seeds do not sprout well in cold or cool soils. They germinate best at a soil temperature of 65 degrees or higher.

Follow the spacing directions on the packet. Seeds germinate in 7-10 days.

How to Grow Black Eyed Peas:

Growing Black Eyed Peas is easy.

Grow Black Eyed Peas in full sun. They prefer rich, well draining soil. Add compost prior to planting. Apply a side dressing of fertilizer to give these plants a fast start as soon as they germinate.

Thin seedling to proper distance, as noted on the seed packet. If there are no directions, space plants three inches apart in rows three feet apart.

Black Eyed Pea plants are tolerant of heat and dry weather conditions. However, for maximum growth and harvest, water frequently, especially during dry periods. Try to keep the leaves dry as you water. This will help avoid fungus diseases.

Apply a general purpose fertilizer once a month during the season.

Harvesting Black Eyes Peas:

Young, tender leaves are edible. Pick as needed for salads. Or, cook them like spinach.

Many gardeners who are new to cowpeas, do not know that the young pods are edible, too. Pick when very young, as the pods get tough and stringy early. Most people harvest Cowpeas for the bean inside. If harvesting "green" pick, when young. For dried beans, pick after the pods have dried. The beans can be allowed to dry right on the vine.

For eating the leaves, pick the young, tender leaves. Put them in soups or salads.

Insects, Pests, and Plant Disease:

A variety of insects enjoy Black Eyed Peas. Use insecticides or repellents as needed.

Deer and rabbits like this vegetable, too. They will eat the young plants, and nip tender leaves. Deer will forage for the young beans. If you have wild turkeys in your area, you may find them munching on your Cowpeas. They eat the young plants and enjoy the insects that the plant attracts.

Rabbit Control

Deer Control

Bacterial and wilt diseases are common among the Bean family. This plant disease arrives with summer heat and humidity. This often occurs just before, or during, the ripening of the crop. Fungicides are recommended in areas of high heat and humidity.

Hardiness:

Cowpeas are a warm weather crops that grows best in warmer, more southerly areas of the country. Cowpeas are not a hardy plant. They are susceptible to cold and frost.

More Information:

More on Growing Cowpeas

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