California Blackeye Cowpeas
The cowpea is an annual legume that tolerates sandy soils and low rainfall. The California Blackeye variety of cowpea is an old and well-established favorite known for its vigorous high-yielding vines. This variety has historical significance as even Thomas Jefferson is noted to have grown Blackeye Peas in the 1770s. Originally from Africa, cowpeas are straightforward to cultivate, thriving particularly well in the Southern United States. California Blackeye peas grow best in warm to hot conditions, require full sun, and are known for their drought resistance, making them a robust crop for various environments. They prefer well-drained soil and, as a legume, are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen reducing the need for fertilizer. Their growing season is during the spring and summer with a maturity period of approximately 70 days.