California Blackeye #5 Cowpeas Seeds

California Blackeye #5 Cowpeas are one of the finest improved black-eyed pea varieties ever developed, combining exceptional productivity, vigorous growth, and excellent disease resistance with the rich flavor that has made black-eyed peas a Southern favorite for generations. This improved selection produces heavy yields of cream-colored peas marked by the familiar black "eye" that gives the variety its name. Well adapted to hot summer weather and capable of producing dependable harvests even under dry conditions, California Blackeye #5 has become a favorite among home gardeners, market growers, and commercial producers alike. Whether harvested fresh as shelling peas or dried for long-term storage, this variety delivers outstanding quality and dependable performance.

Why Grow This Variety?

California Blackeye #5 is valued for its exceptional adaptability and reliable yields. Unlike many cool-season legumes, cowpeas actually thrive during the hottest part of summer when many other vegetables begin to struggle. The plants tolerate heat, drought, and less-than-perfect soils remarkably well while producing generous harvests of tender peas. Their ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen also makes them an excellent crop for improving garden fertility while producing nutritious food.

Flavor Profile

Fresh California Blackeye #5 peas have a mild, creamy flavor with subtle earthy sweetness and a smooth, tender texture. When cooked, they develop the rich, comforting taste that has made black-eyed peas a staple of Southern kitchens for centuries. The flavor pairs beautifully with smoked meats, fresh vegetables, herbs, rice, and traditional seasonings.

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Vigna unguiculata
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual legume
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 65-80 days
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained average to fertile soil
• Soil pH: 5.8-7.2
• Plant Height: 18-30 inches
• Plant Spread: 18-24 inches
• Spacing: 3-6 inches between plants
• Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Sow seeds directly after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has thoroughly warmed. Cowpeas dislike cold soils but quickly establish vigorous plants once warm weather arrives. California Blackeye #5 performs especially well in hot, humid climates where many other beans struggle. Regular harvesting encourages continued pod production throughout the season.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods while still green for fresh shelling peas, or allow them to dry completely on the plant for dried storage beans. Fresh shelled peas can be refrigerated for several days or frozen after blanching. Fully dried peas store for many months in airtight containers kept in a cool, dry location.