Mississippi Pink Eye Purplehull Pea
Mississippi Pinkeye pea is a type of cowpea prized in the South for its excellent flavor and reliable performance in the garden. Also known as Pinkeye Purple Hull peas, these produce cream-colored peas with a distinctive pink eye when shelled (similar to black-eyed peas, but with pink centers). This variety was developed by agricultural researchers for improved disease resistance and yield, and it's highly heat-tolerant and actually thrives in the hot, humid conditions that would stop many other peas or beans.
This is an annual open-pollinated seed that grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11.
Each packet will have a little over 25 seeds.
Mississippi Pinkeye pea is a type of cowpea prized in the South for its excellent flavor and reliable performance in the garden. Also known as Pinkeye Purple Hull peas, these produce cream-colored peas with a distinctive pink eye when shelled (similar to black-eyed peas, but with pink centers). This variety was developed by agricultural researchers for improved disease resistance and yield, and it's highly heat-tolerant and actually thrives in the hot, humid conditions that would stop many other peas or beans.
This is an annual open-pollinated seed that grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11.
Each packet will have a little over 25 seeds.
Mississippi Pinkeye pea is a type of cowpea prized in the South for its excellent flavor and reliable performance in the garden. Also known as Pinkeye Purple Hull peas, these produce cream-colored peas with a distinctive pink eye when shelled (similar to black-eyed peas, but with pink centers). This variety was developed by agricultural researchers for improved disease resistance and yield, and it's highly heat-tolerant and actually thrives in the hot, humid conditions that would stop many other peas or beans.
This is an annual open-pollinated seed that grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11.
Each packet will have a little over 25 seeds.
Growing Instructions
Wait to plant until soil has warmed to about 70°. Direct sow the seeds about 1" deep and 3"–4" apart in rows that are 24"-36" apart. The plants have a semi-bushy, semi-vining habit and will grow about 24" tall. The plants needs little fertilizer usually since they fix their own nitrogen in the soil and tolerate less-than-ideal soil conditions once established. For best production, ensure the plants get full sun, and water them regularly especially during flowering and pod set.
Harvest, Storage, and Use
Mississippi Pinkeye peas are typically ready to harvest about 50-60 days after planting. The pods signal they’re ready when they turn from green to a rich purple color – at that stage, the peas inside are mature and flavorful but still fresh. Pick the pods by pulling gently or snipping with scissors to avoid yanking up the vine. Many folks harvest in batches, shelling the peas from the purple pods as a satisfying porch-time activity. You can cook the shelled peas fresh by simmering them with a bit of onion, garlic, or ham for flavor until tender (usually 20–30 minutes).
If some pods dry out on the vine, you can harvest those for dry peas that store well or use as soup beans. Fresh unshelled Pinkeye peas can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, or shelled peas can be refrigerated for a day or two. For longer storage, you can freeze them by blanching the shelled peas in boiling water for 2 minutes, letting them cool, and freezing them in bags.
| 👍 Good companions | Corn, squash (shade soil and reduce weeds), tomatoes, peppers (benefit from nitrogen fixed by cowpeas), and most other vegetables like turnips, parsnips, potatoes, eggplant, radishes, cucumbers, carrots, beans, and brassicas | ||
| 👎 Bad companions | Alliums like onions and garlic, and gladiolus flowers (inhibit growth) | ||
| Growing zones | 5-11 | Crop type | Annual |
| Crop difficulty | Easy | Seed type | Open-Pollinated |
| Sowing method | Direct Sow | Containers? | Large / Bed |
| Sun req. | Full Sun | Ideal soil temp. | 60-75°F |
| Days to germination | 7-14 days | Days to maturity | 50-60 days |
| Seed spacing | 2"-4" | Row spacing | 24"-36" |
| Seed depth | 1" | Needs support? | Yes |