Description
50 Seeds per pack
California Blackeye #5 Cowpea (A.K.A. California Blackeye Cowpea) – Cowpea
Days to Maturity: 60–70 Days
Sun Requirements: Full sun to very light shade.
Botanical name: (Vigna unguiculata)
California Blackeye #5 Cowpea has long stood out as the most widely grown blackeye variety in the United States. Originally developed for the heat and challenging soils of the South, it remains a favorite for its dependable yields and wide-ranging culinary uses.
Plants grow to a modest 16–18 inches tall, staying compact and manageable while producing a generous crop of 6–8″ green pods that mature to tan. Each pod is filled with smooth, pale seeds marked by a distinct black eye at the center. The flavor is mild and pleasantly meaty, with a hint of sweetness that holds whether the peas are cooked fresh or dried and stored.
California Blackeye #5 thrives in full sun and warm weather, tolerating drought and poor soil well. Its bushy growth fits easily into small spaces, making it great for those with limited space or those who want to grow a large crop. Though the peas can be eaten raw, it is generally recommended that they be cooked for safety. The tender green leaves are also edible and can be cooked like spinach or added to soups and stews.
A staple in traditional dishes such as Hoppin’ John, cowpeas also shine in hearty soups, stews, and curries across African, Indian, and Southern American cuisines. The dried peas store well and maintain quality for months, making them an excellent staple for long-term storage.
Beyond its culinary uses, California Blackeye #5 plants serve as valuable livestock feed, whether dried and baled as hay or processed into silage, ensuring that nearly every part of the plant serves a purpose by the time the season winds down. As a warm-season legume, cowpeas naturally enrich the soil by adding nitrogen. They also make an excellent cover crop—anchoring soil against erosion and serving equally well in crop rotations or alongside other vegetables in companion plantings.
Rich in protein, vitamins A, C, and B, and minerals, California Blackeye #5 Cowpea is a hearty, practical, and nourishing addition to any garden.
Disease Resistance: Common Wilt and Nematodes.
Planting Instructions for California Blackeye #5 Cowpea Seeds
California Blackeye #5 Peas are a cool weather crop, that like well drained soil and plenty of organic matter to assist with moisture retention.
Direct sow California Blackeye #5 cowpea as soon as soil can be worked in the spring. Plant Pea seeds in full sun, 1-1½” deep, 1 – 2″ apart, in rows 18-24″ apart. Pea seeds should germinate in 6-14 days at 45-75°F. No need to thin plants.
Provide a trellis or other support for climbing varieties. Heirloom / Open Pollinated Bush Pea varieties usually do fine with a short trellis or planting in a block so Pea plants support each other.
Harvest Heirloom / Open Pollinated Shelling Peas when pods are full and plump and peas are tender; Heirloom / Open Pollinated Snap Peas when the pods start filling out but are not yet fully mature; and Heirloom / Open Pollinated Snow Peas when pods are approx. 3″ long and still flat, before seeds start to fill out
FAQ:
What is the historical or notable background of California Blackeye #5 Cowpea?
California Blackeye #5 Cowpea is the most widely grown blackeye variety in the U.S., originally bred to handle the intense heat and tough soils of the southern states. Its reliable performance and adaptability have kept it a staple in both home gardens and large-scale agriculture for decades.
How would you describe the flavor of California Blackeye #5 Cowpea?
It has a mild, pleasantly meaty flavor with a subtle sweetness, whether enjoyed fresh or dried. This makes it a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes across different cuisines.
What does California Blackeye #5 Cowpea look like, and how does it grow?
This bushy plant grows to about 16–18 inches tall, producing 6–8″ pods that turn tan when mature. Inside are pale seeds with a prominent black eye, giving the variety its name.
How much can I expect to harvest from California Blackeye #5 Cowpea, and when should I pick it?
For fresh cowpea use, harvest the pods when they are young, green, and well-filled with seeds—similar to green beans—but before the seeds begin to harden. For dry use, wait until the pods turn dry and yellow, then pull the entire plant and allow it to dry further in a warm, well-ventilated space. Once fully dried, shell the peas and either use them immediately or store them in a cool, dry place.
When is the best time to plant California Blackeye #5 Cowpea?
Cowpeas are a warm-season crop and are frost-sensitive, so wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting. Sow seeds directly into warm soil in full sun to very light shade for the best growth and productivity.
What are common culinary uses for California Blackeye #5 Cowpea?
California Blackeye #5 Cowpea is commonly used in traditional Southern dishes like Hoppin’ John and is popular in soups, stews, and curries in African and Indian cuisines. The young, tender leaves can also be cooked and used like other greens, such as spinach or collards.
What’s the best way to store California Blackeye #5 Cowpea after harvest?
Once the pods are fully dry, shell the peas and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Fresh cowpeas can also be preserved by freezing or canning. For freezing, the most common method is to shell the mature peas and freeze them. For canning, use only the shelled peas, as the pods are not recommended—they tend to develop an undesirable texture during the canning process.
What nutrients does California Blackeye #5 Cowpea provide?
These peas are protein-rich and a good source of vitamins A, C, and B-complex, along with essential minerals—making them a nutritious addition to your table.
Does California Blackeye #5 Cowpea have any notable disease resistance?
Yes, it shows resistance to Common Wilt and nematodes, making it a reliable performer even in challenging growing conditions.
Mary Hayes (verified owner) –
Not planted yet, just happy to have them
jeff a smith (verified owner) –
All is well
Gregory Manglitz Sr (verified owner) –
All the seeds from St Claire heirloom seeds are phenomenal! I’ve even replanted seeds grown from last year in this year’s crop. Lots of produce. Thank you
patricia toole (verified owner) –
5 star!
Debra Ann Boling (verified owner) –
5 star!