Purple hull peas are a popular warm-season crop belonging to the cowpea family (Vigna unguiculata), often referred to as Southern peas. They are botanically related to beans, thriving in conditions that would cause true peas to fail. This variety tolerates high temperatures and survives in less-than-ideal soil, making it a reliable choice for summer gardens.
Selecting the Site and Planting Time
Purple hull peas require full sunlight for vigorous growth and maximum pod production. They perform best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Because cowpeas fix atmospheric nitrogen, they do not need overly rich soil; excess nitrogen results in abundant foliage but few pods.
Timing the planting is important because this crop cannot withstand frost. Seeds must be sown well after the final expected frost date when the soil temperature consistently registers above 65°F (18°C). Warm soil encourages rapid germination and protects young seedlings from chilling injury.
Sowing Seeds and Early Establishment
Purple hull peas are typically direct-sown into the garden bed, eliminating the need for indoor starting. Plant the large seeds 1 to 2 inches deep, spacing them 2 to 4 inches apart within the row to allow for adequate air circulation.
Immediately after sowing, water the area thoroughly to initiate germination. Keep the soil uniformly moist, but not saturated, until seedlings emerge (usually within six to fifteen days). Once the young plants develop three to four true leaves, thin them to a final spacing of 4 to 8 inches between plants.
Essential Care During the Growing Season
Purple hull peas are drought-tolerant once established but still benefit from consistent moisture, especially during the flowering and pod-setting stages. Watering about once a week during extended dry periods is generally sufficient to maintain steady production. Applying a layer of mulch around the plants helps conserve soil moisture and suppresses weed competition.
Fertilization requirements are minimal because cowpeas are legumes, meaning they host specialized bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Supplemental nitrogen fertilizer is usually unnecessary and can be counterproductive, leading to excessive vine growth instead of pods.
For varieties that exhibit vining growth habits, providing a support structure such as a trellis or staking system is necessary. These supports elevate the pods, protecting them from soil-borne diseases and making harvesting easier.
Gardeners should monitor for common pests like aphids and the cowpea curculio. Aphids are sap-sucking insects controlled by washing them off or using insecticidal soap. The cowpea curculio is a small weevil whose larvae bore into the developing peas. Curculio control is time-sensitive, focusing on treatment when the first blooms appear to eliminate adults before they lay eggs on the pods.
Harvesting and Shelling the Peas
The best time to harvest for fresh shelling is determined by visual cues indicating full maturity. The most reliable sign is the pod’s color transformation, changing from solid green to a distinct purple or reddish-purple. The pods should feel firm and swollen, indicating the peas inside have fully developed.
Pods picked at this stage are plump and easily shelled, offering the best quality for immediate cooking or freezing. Some varieties can be picked earlier while the pods are green and immature, allowing them to be used whole as “snaps.” For saving seeds or dry storage, leave the pods on the vine until they turn completely brown and brittle. Once harvested, fresh-shelled peas should be refrigerated or blanched and frozen quickly to preserve flavor and texture.