The black eyed pea flower, from the Vigna unguiculata plant, is known for both its edible peas and its visual appeal. Widely recognized as a global food staple, the plant also offers attractive blooms that enhance garden spaces.
Identifying the Black Eyed Pea Flower
Black eyed pea flowers are characteristic legume blooms, often described as pea-like or butterfly-shaped. These delicate flowers appear in shades of white, cream, or pale yellow, with some purple varieties. They emerge from leaf axils or branch tips on peduncles 2 to 35 cm long. Flowers are around 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, featuring a bell-shaped calyx and fused lobes.
The Vigna unguiculata plant’s growth habit varies, influencing flower display. Some varieties are low bushes, while others vine, climbing supports or trailing. Leaves are trifoliate, consisting of three egg-shaped leaflets that can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
Cultivating Black Eyed Pea Plants
Growing black eyed pea plants for healthy flowering and pea production requires specific conditions. These warm-season legumes thrive in full sun, needing 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Sensitive to frost, they perform best when soil temperatures are consistently above 60-65°F (15-18°C), making late spring to early summer the ideal planting time after the last frost.
Black eyed peas prefer well-draining, sandy to loamy soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0. Consistent moisture is beneficial, especially during flowering and pod development, though they tolerate some drought. Avoid waterlogging, as overly wet conditions can lead to root rot. Plant seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart in rows spaced 18 to 36 inches apart for proper air circulation. Adding organic matter like compost can enrich poor soil; however, heavy fertilization is not needed due to their nitrogen-fixing ability.
Black Eyed Pea Flower vs Black Eyed Susan
Despite similar names, the black eyed pea flower (Vigna unguiculata) and the Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) are distinct plants from separate botanical families. The black eyed pea flower is a legume (Fabaceae family) known for edible peas. Its pea-like flowers, with a standard, wings, and keel, appear in shades of white, cream, yellow, or purple. The plant can be bushy or vining, with trifoliate leaves.
In contrast, the Black-Eyed Susan is an ornamental plant (Asteraceae family), including daisies and sunflowers. Its daisy-like flowers feature bright yellow or orange ray petals surrounding a dark central cone. Leaves are simple, hairy, and lance-shaped. The Black-Eyed Susan is grown purely for aesthetic appeal and does not produce edible pods or peas.
Beyond the Bloom Uses of the Plant
The Vigna unguiculata plant offers significant utility beyond its black eyed pea flowers. Its primary use is as an edible crop, providing versatile and nutritious peas. Black eyed peas are rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fiber, contributing to digestive health and weight management. They also provide micronutrients such as folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A and K. These peas are a staple in various culinary traditions, used in dishes from stews and salads to fritters.
Beyond consumption, black eyed pea plants are valued for soil improvement. As legumes, they fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through symbiotic relationships with root nodule bacteria. This process enriches the soil with nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and benefiting subsequent crops. Consequently, they are often used as a cover crop, suppressing weeds, preventing erosion, and adding organic matter to the soil.