Like many other beans, some black-eyed pea cultivars are creeping vines, with a growth habit much like their pole bean relatives. There are also more compact, bush varieties of this Southern good-luck bean plant.
What kind of beans are black-eyed peas?
Black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata) are a variety of the cowpea and are part of the family of beans & peas (Leguminosae or Fabaceae in the USA). Although called a pea, it is actually a bean. Both peas and beans are legumes, and both have edible seeds and pods.
Do black-eyed peas need a trellis?
Plant the seeds 1 inch deep, spaced 2 inches apart within rows; rows should be at least 3 feet apart. When the first leaves appear, thin to 4 inch plant spacing. Grow black eyed peas on supports such as trellises or tripods.
Are black-eyed peas climbers?
The black-eyed peas plant may be a bush or a trailing vine and can produce peas throughout the season (indeterminate) or all at once (determinate). It is helpful to know which type you have when planting black-eyed peas.
Can dried black-eyed peas be planted?
Since store-bought black-eyed peas are not grown for planting, companies will sometimes dry them in large ovens after harvesting. If the temperature is too hot, it could sterilize the seeds and they won’t sprout.
What’s the difference between black-eyed beans and black-eyed peas?
Names can sometimes be confusing. For instance, black beans, sometimes called turtle beans, are a legume. Black eyed peas are a variety of cowpea and are also called black eyed beans. To simplify, peas and beans are legumes, both have edible seeds and pods and the term beans or peas is often used interchangeably.
What’s another name for black-eyed peas?
The black-eyed pea is a variety of the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), which is a member of the legume, pea, or bean family. Besides the popular name “black-eyed pea,” it is also known as “goat pea” and “southern pea,” and the most common commercial variety in the United States is called the California Blackeye.
What time of year do you plant black-eyed peas?
spring
Black-eyed peas can only be grown in warm soil, with no risk of frost or cold, generally in the late spring and throughout the summer.
How deep are black-eyed pea roots?
Growing Black-Eyed Peas
That ability to cope with minimal water is because of their taproots, which can be as much as 8 feet deep. Your plants won’t need irrigation once they’re established.
What grows good with black-eyed peas?
Some good companion plants are beans, carrots, corn, cucumber, radishes, and turnips. Do not plant with garlic, onions, or potatoes.
Can you eat black-eyed pea leaves?
Black eyed pea leaves can be eaten! Sweet potato leaves, okra leaves, are also edible! In West Africa cassava leaves join these as traditional vegetables along with wild and other cultivated greens! Black eyed peas symbolize the eye of G-d.
How often should you water black-eyed peas?
Black-eyed peas have tap roots, which reach down deeper into the soil to access water and nutrients that other plants can’t get to. They can be as long as eight feet! This doesn’t necessarily mean you can forgo watering altogether, though. They grow best if they have roughly an inch of water each week.
How long does it take for black-eyed peas to sprout?
between 5 to 14 days
How Long Does It Take Black-Eyed Peas to Sprout? Germinating does not take very long, and black-eyed peas sprout fast like beans, usually taking between 5 to 14 days.
Do I need to soak black-eyed peas before planting?
Most of them have hard coats, and all benefit from soaking before planting. Soak them overnight in warm water. This will expedite the germination process. Each pea variety is in its own plastic container filled half full with water, so the peas are well covered.
Should you soak black-eyed peas before planting?
Should I soak black-eyed peas before planting? You can soak your seeds before you plant them to maximize yield. They only need a maximum of 24 hours in water. If you soak them too long, they’ll become damaged.
Can I plant beans from the grocery store?
Have you ever wondered if you can grow beans from a packet of dried beans from the grocery store? The answer is yes, you can!
Do black-eyed peas raise blood sugar?
The soluble fiber in black eyed peas slows digestion, which helps the body regulate blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of blood sugar spikes. This lowered risk makes black eyed peas a healthy food choice for people with diabetes.
Why do Southerners eat black-eyed peas?
Why Are Black Eyed Peas Good Luck? The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. Originally they were used as food for livestock and later as a food staple for enslaved people in the South.
Why do they say to eat black-eyed peas on new year’s?
Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved, as many traditions do, into a number of variations – but most hold the theme of luck and prosperity that harkens back to the Civil War days when people felt lucky to have black-eyed peas to eat and help them survive through the winter.
Do black-eyed peas cause gas?
Precautions. For some people, black-eyed peas may cause stomach pain, gas, and bloating due to their content of raffinose, a type of fiber that can contribute to digestive issues ( 17 ). Soaking and cooking dried beans can reduce the content of raffinose and make them much easier to digest ( 17 ).
Can dogs eat black-eyed peas?
Dogs can eat black-eyed peas as an occasional treat. Pet owners can offer black-eyed peas as a healthy snack or mix the beans into homemade dog food. Like many other beans, black-eyed peas are high in protein, fiber, and vitamins while low in calories and cholesterol.