Black Eye Peas - Raw Seed (lb)

Vigna unguiculata is a heat-loving annual legume used as a warm-season cover crop, green manure, and rotation crop. Black eye peas establish rapidly in warm soil, develop a leafy canopy that helps shade summer weeds, and produce biomass that can be incorporated to add organic matter. Their deep-rooted growth is especially useful during hot periods when many cool-season cover crops struggle.

Plant after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed. Sow into a firm, weed-free seedbed with good drainage, then maintain adequate moisture through emergence. For maximum nitrogen fixation, inoculate the raw seed immediately before planting. Terminate before mature seed develops if preventing volunteer plants is important, and allow time for residue to break down before planting the next crop.

• Planting season: Warm season
• Application rate: 40–50 lb/acre or 2–3 lb/1,000 sq ft
• Inoculant: Strongly recommended. Use Cowpea, Peanut & Lespedeza Inoculant, Garden Combination Mix Inoculant (treats 8 lb), or Garden Combination Mix Inoculant (treats 50 lb).
• Germination: Approximately 5–10 days under warm, moist conditions
• Plant height: About 40 inches
• Days to flower: Approximately 80–90 days
• Primary uses: Nitrogen fixation, summer weed suppression, biomass, green manure, and crop rotation

Compare additional warm-season options in our Cover Crop Seeds Collection.