Mississippi Purple Hull Pea

This is the field pea of the Mississippi Delta, brought north and grown at Sankofa Community Farm for the neighboring community in Southwest Philadelphia, PA. Purple pods, creamy seeds, and a black eye with purple eyeshadow. Traditionally, these peas are shelled when plump and fresh, but can also be harvested dry. Perfect for making Hoppin' John, peas and rice, or any dish where you would want the home-grown flavor of Southern field peas. Grows on bushy vines.

Days to maturity: 65

Seeds per pack: 70

Germination rate: 76% on 12/22/2023

Planting / harvesting notes

Direct sow black-eyed peas safely after frost, any time between late May and mid-July. This is a climbing vine crop, so it needs to be planted next to a structure or trellis. Plant 1" deep with 3-4" spacing, either in 1 row on each side of the net trellis or in another arrangement if using a different kind of trellis, like a pole or garden sculpture. Being a legume, it does fairly well in and adds nitrogen to poor soil.

Seed keeping notes

Black-eyed peas are self-pollinating, though it is best to isolate different varieties of V. unguiculata (including black-eyed peas, southern peas, cowpeas, and long beans) at least 20 feet, if not much farther to avoid unwanted cross-pollination. Allow beans to dry fully into a brown crispy state. This is when they are ready to harvest for seed. If necessary, lay them out to dry a little longer in their pods.

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