Bean Seeds - Bush - California Black-Eye Cowpeas
75 Days to maturity. Vigna unguiculata. California Black-Eyed Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, bush, shelling bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Cowpeas, or black-eyed peas, were first domesticated in Africa, where 66% of the world's production still occurs. These garden vegetables are very tolerant of dry, sandy soil and hot temperatures. In addition to needing little water, cowpea plants can fix nitrogen in the soil, making them a very self-sufficient garden vegetable. The beans have a sweet flavor and creamy texture that are well-liked in many parts of the world. ~130 seeds per ounce.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Organic California Black-Eyed Beans in the Vegetable Garden
Plant California Black-Eyed Beans 1 to 1.5 inches deep and direct sow after the last frost when soil is at least 65 F. Space seeds 3 to 4 inches apart in rows 24 to 36 inches apart for airflow, easier care, and harvest.
As legumes, black-eyed beans fix nitrogen, but compost or a balanced fertilizer at planting helps early growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can reduce pod production.
Water deeply during flowering and pod set, keeping soil moist but not soggy. Mulch to hold moisture and limit weeds. Weed gently around shallow roots, monitor for aphids and bean beetles, and rotate crops to reduce disease. Light support can help semi-vining plants, and good companions include corn, cucumbers, and radishes.
Harvesting California Black-Eyed Beans
For dry beans, harvest when pods yellow and dry, about 75 days after planting, then shell fully dry, hard beans. For snap use, pick pods while green and tender.
About California Black-Eyed Bean Garden Seeds
Black-eyed peas originated in Africa and became a staple in Southern U.S. cuisine with strong cultural significance. They are valued for heat and drought resilience and for improving soil through nitrogen fixation.
A New Year's tradition in the Southern United States features them in Hoppin' John. The beans are high in protein and fiber, low in fat, and provide key nutrients including iron, potassium, and folate.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Beans are a fantastic multi-use crop. They provide fresh food for eating, dry food for storing, and they benefit the soil."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
California Black-Eyed Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 30 g Packet - Wholesale - Approximately 135 Seeds
- 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 520 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 2,080 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 10,400 Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 52,000 Seeds
Non-GMO California Black-Eyed Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Vigna unguiculata |
| Bean Sub-Type: | Not Applicable. |
| California Black-Eyed Bean Color: | Green, White, Black |
| California Black-Eyed Bean Flavor: | Earthy and nutty |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 75 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 4-6 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 18-24 inches |
| Plant Height: | 24-36 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F). |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 60 F. Planting with an inoculant may increase yields, but is certainly not required for a successful grow. |
| Start Indoors: | Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting. |
| Bean Pollination: | Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having various pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by increasing the likelihood of pollination. |
| Snap or Shell Bean: | Shell - Shell beans have a non-edible woody or fibrous husk that contains the edible beans within. For example, edamame has the beans inside, but you wouldn't want to eat the husk. Shell beans are also sometimes called shelling beans. |
| Pole or Bush Bean: | Bush - Bush beans grow on low-growing, compact, upright, bushy plants that typically do not need a trellis, pole, or other support. Bush beans are usually favorable to container growing. |
| Plant Width: | 12-18 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Mid - Ready for harvest around 66-86 days. |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 70-90 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keep your bean plants clean of dust buildup and surrounded by various plants to help deter pests. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Bean Use: | Soups, stews, and chili. Commonly used in a traditional South Carolinian dish called Hoppin’ John. |
| Climate Tolerance: | N/A |