Purple hull peas, a type of cowpea, are a favorite in warm climates due to their distinctive flavor and vibrant purple pods. They are easy to cultivate, making them a good option for both experienced and new gardeners. These legumes offer a rewarding harvest and are more akin to beans than traditional garden peas, appreciated for their productivity.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Selecting the right location is the first step in successful purple hull pea cultivation. These plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to produce a good yield.
Purple hull peas are adaptable, growing well in various soil types, but perform best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Before planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds and incorporating organic matter like compost or aged manure. Mixing two inches of compost into the top eight inches enhances fertility and improves drainage. As legumes, purple hull peas fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, reducing the need for heavy nitrogen fertilization.
Planting Purple Hull Peas
Timing is important when planting purple hull peas, as they are a warm-season crop that cannot tolerate frost. Sow seeds directly after all danger of frost has passed, when soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C), ideally between 70°F and 95°F. This typically falls in late spring or early summer, around April or May.
Sow seeds about one inch deep into the prepared soil. Space them three to six inches apart within the row. If planting multiple rows, allow 2 to 3 feet between rows for adequate air circulation and growth. Some varieties are bush types, while others are semi-vining or vining; bush varieties generally do not require trellising. After seedlings emerge and develop three to four leaves, thin them to a final spacing of four to six inches apart to prevent overcrowding and promote robust plant development.
Ongoing Care
Consistent moisture is important for purple hull peas, particularly during their flowering and pod development stages. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering, as peas do not tolerate standing water. Mulching around the plants with a two-inch layer of organic material, such as straw or wood chips, helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Weeding is important to minimize competition for water and nutrients, especially when plants are young. Hand-pulling weeds or shallow cultivation prevents disturbance to the shallow root systems. While generally resilient, purple hull peas can encounter pests like aphids; knocking them off the plants often suffices. If the soil is particularly poor, a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 10-20-10 blend) can be incorporated into the top three to four inches of soil before planting. Excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage but fewer peas.
Harvesting and Storage
Purple hull peas are typically ready for harvest between 55 and 80 days after planting, depending on the specific variety. The pods should appear plump and firm, and for many varieties, they will begin to turn a reddish or dark purple color when ready for picking. Harvesting them when the pods are about 50% purple often yields the best flavor and ease of shelling.
To harvest, grasp the pod at the top, where it connects to the stem, and gently pull. Regular picking encourages the plant to produce more pods, extending the harvest season. If peas are harvested too early while still green, they can be more difficult to shell. After harvesting, shell the peas from their pods; this is easiest when the pods are plump and still somewhat moist. For short-term use, shelled peas can be refrigerated for several days; for longer preservation, purple hull peas freeze well after blanching for three minutes and immediately cooling in cold water before freezing in airtight bags.