"Preserving the future,
one seed at a time." |
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| Cream or Southern Peas
(Cowpeas) Vigna unguiculata subsp.
Southern Peas, or "Cowpeas" as they are known to Northerners, are thought to be native to the continent of Africa and brought to the United States in early Colonial times during the slave trade. They became a staple food in the Southeastern United States where they are eaten as green shelled peas or left to dry on the vine for later use.
They are more likely to succeed in areas with warm soil temperatures (at least 60F) and no danger of frost for ninety to one hundred days after planting. They are highly tolerant of drought and a wide variety of soil conditions, including heavy clay and sandy soils. Soil pH can range from 5.5 to 7. In areas with cooler climates, the plants will tend to be plagued with pests and disease.
(One ounce will plant about a 10-foot row.)
SPECIAL NOTE: This past growing season was another challenging one for our farmers in the South. Where the 2010 season was affected by both early and late season rains, the 2011 growing season was one of devastating drought. As such, there will be many shortages in both variety and quantity. We would recommend ordering early and be open to trying different varieties if your favorite is not available.
Click on a picture for more information and quantity pricing options.
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Growing Information:Southern Peas can be planted from May to August, as soon as the soil has warmed to about 65F. Most varieties are ready to harvest at the green pea stage in about sixty days and at the dry stage in seventy five to one hundred days. Therefore in most areas, Southern Peas really should be planted in May or June. Plant four to six seeds per foot, 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches deep in rows twenty to thirty six inches apart. Control weeds early in the season with shallow cultivation. Later the peas will shade out most weeds. Avoid cultivation after the plants begin to bloom. Irrigation is normally not necessary; southern peas are renowned for their ability to grow and produce under harsh conditions. Southern peas are self-pollinating with insects, as well as wind, being responsible for moving the pollen to achieve fertilization.
There are several types, groups or categories of Southern Peas. These include: -
Black-eyed peas -
The peas are white or light with dark, black hilums (eyes). Examples: 'California Blackeye #5' and 'California Blackeye #46'. -
Colored-eyed peas - The peas in this group have eye colors other than black. These are typically brown, tan, or pink. Examples: 'Early Scarlet' and 'Six Week Browneye'. -
Cream
or Conch peas - Generally small plants with light colored peas. Examples: 'Sadandy', 'Cream 8', 'Texas Cream 40' and 'Zipper Cream'. -
Crowder peas - The seeds are crowded into the pods and
typically starchy. Example: 'Black Crowder', 'Mississippi Silver', and 'Colossus'. -
Field peas - Vigorous, vine-type plants with smaller seeds.
Example: 'Red Ripper'.
Purple Hull peas - The pods in this group are either completely purple or exhibit some
purple coloring at the tips. Example: 'Pinkeye Purple Hull BVR', 'Knuckle Purple', and 'Mississippi Purple'.
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