Growing Southern Peas
Southern peas belong in hot Southern gardens.
They tolerate heat, grow in relatively modest soil, and produce when cool-season peas would have surrendered long ago.
What Are Southern Peas?
Southern peas include:
- Black-eyed peas
- Purple hull peas
- Crowder peas
- Cream peas
They are cowpeas rather than true English garden peas.
When to Plant
In Central Alabama, Southern peas can generally be planted from April through July.
Wait for warm soil.
Direct Sow
Plant seeds directly in the garden.
They germinate quickly in warm conditions.
Sun and Soil
Southern peas prefer:
- Full sun
- Good drainage
- Warm soil
They tolerate lower fertility better than many vegetables.
Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
Bush vs. Vining Types
Some varieties stay relatively compact.
Others vine and may benefit from support.
Check the growth habit before planting.
Watering
Southern peas tolerate dry conditions fairly well once established, but moisture during flowering and pod fill improves production.
Common Problems
Watch for:
- Cowpea curculio
- Aphids
- Stink bugs
- Leaf diseases
Harvest frequently and remove badly damaged pods.
Harvest Stages
Southern peas can be harvested at several stages:
Snap Stage
Pods are young and tender.
Green-Shell Stage
Seeds have filled but remain fresh and moist.
Dry Stage
Pods dry on the plant and seeds are stored as dry peas.
Soil Benefits
As legumes, Southern peas form relationships with bacteria that fix nitrogen.
That does not mean they instantly fertilize every neighboring crop, but they can be useful in crop rotations and soil-building systems.
GardenGrowz Tip
Southern peas are excellent for filling garden space after an early spring crop finishes.
