Purple hull peas, a variety of cowpea, are a beloved Southern staple and a highly resilient crop, especially well-suited to the intense heat of Mississippi summers. This legume is not a true pea, but rather a warm-season annual more closely related to beans. Purple hull peas are prized for their versatility in the kitchen and their ability to flourish in the Deep South’s challenging climate. Understanding the ideal planting time and specific care requirements is the first step toward a successful harvest in a Mississippi garden.
Determining the Ideal Planting Window in Mississippi
Purple hull peas require considerable warmth and cannot tolerate any frost, making soil temperature the most important factor for planting. Germination is best when the soil temperature consistently registers above 60°F, with optimal growth occurring when temperatures are between 70°F and 95°F. Planting too early in the spring, before the soil has adequately warmed, will likely result in poor germination and a weak stand of plants.
The safe planting window opens after the average last spring frost has passed, which varies significantly across the state. In southern Mississippi, the last frost may occur as early as February, but central Mississippi typically sees the last frost around the end of March. Gardeners in northern Mississippi must wait longest, as their average last frost date can extend into mid-April.
The earliest safe planting time is generally considered two to three weeks after the last average frost date, typically ranging from mid-April to early May across most of the state. Succession planting is a strategy to ensure a continuous harvest, with new seeds sown every two weeks from the initial planting date through early July. This schedule capitalizes on the long, hot growing season, allowing for multiple crops.
Essential Site Preparation and Soil Needs
Purple hull peas require a location that receives full sunlight for at least eight hours daily to ensure robust growth and pod production. They are not overly particular about soil type but need well-drained conditions to prevent the seeds from rotting. Raised beds or rows are often beneficial, especially in areas with heavy clay soils, as they promote better drainage.
Before planting, the soil should be prepared by tilling it to a depth of eight to ten inches and raking the surface smooth to remove large clods and debris. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, will improve soil structure and water retention. The ideal soil pH range for southern peas is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
Purple hull peas are legumes, which means they fix atmospheric nitrogen, essentially fertilizing themselves. Consequently, high-nitrogen fertilizers are unnecessary and can promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of developing pods. Seeds should be planted about one to one-and-a-half inches deep, with a spacing of three to four inches between seeds within the row. Row spacing should be three to four feet apart, particularly for semi-vining varieties.
Post-Planting Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture is important for germination and early seedling development, so the planted area should be watered daily until the seeds sprout. Once the plants are established, purple hull peas become more drought-tolerant, but they do require regular, deep watering during the flowering and pod development stages. Aim for one to two inches of water per week, increasing the amount during periods of extreme summer heat.
Weed control is important, especially in the early stages, as young pea plants compete poorly with weeds for resources. Shallow cultivation or a layer of mulch, such as clean hay or straw, can suppress weed growth without damaging the pea plants’ roots. The application of a mulch layer also helps to maintain soil moisture and keep the developing pods clean off the ground.
The cowpea curculio is one of the most damaging insect pests for southern peas in Mississippi, with the adult weevils laying eggs in the developing pods. Control measures often focus on a preventative spray program starting at the first sign of open blooms or when pods reach about a half-inch in length. Harvesting should occur when the pods are plump and full, typically 60 to 70 days after planting, and have turned a reddish-purple color, depending on the specific variety.