Knowing when are black eyed peas ready to pick is the key to a successful harvest. Getting the timing right means peas that are perfectly ripe for harvest, full of flavor and ideal for storing. This guide will walk you through the clear signs, from the look of the pods to the feel of the peas inside, so you can pick with confidence.
Black-eyed peas are a warm-season crop loved for their reliability and nutrition. They grow on bushy or vining plants and are actually a type of bean, not a pea. The part we eat is the seed, which can be harvested young as a shelling bean or left to dry fully on the plant. The stage at which you pick them depends entirely on how you plan to use them in the kitchen.
When Are Black Eyed Peas Ready To Pick1 – Perfectly Ripe For Harvest
This main heading covers the prime harvest window. “Perfectly ripe” refers to the stage for fresh shelling peas, where the seeds have fully formed but haven’t begun to dry down. This is often considered the peak for flavor and texture.
The Visual Signs on the Pod
Your first clues come from the pod itself. Don’t rush to pick them when they first appear; they need time to fill out.
- Pod Color Change: The pods will start out a vibrant green. When they are nearing readiness, they lose that bright green shine and become a more muted, pale green or even a yellowish-green.
- Pod Plumpness: The pods will look and feel full. You should be able to see the distinct bulges of the individual peas inside, with little space between them.
- Pod Texture: A perfectly ripe pod for shelling will feel firm and taught, not soft or limp. The outer surface may start to develop a very slight roughness.
The Tactile Test: Feeling the Peas
Looks can be deceiving, so always do a hands-on check. This is the most reliable method.
- Gently hold a pod between your thumb and forefinger.
- Apply light pressure along the length of the pod. You should feel the individual, rounded peas inside rolling against each other. They should feel distinct and firm, not tiny or squishy.
- If the peas feel like little pebbles, they are ready. If you can’t feel defined shapes, give them more time.
The Snap or Shell Test
When in doubt, pick one test pod. This is the final confirmation.
- For Fresh Shelling: A pod at the perfect stage should be difficult to snap in half. It will be tough. Instead, use your thumbnail to split the seam and pop it open. The peas inside should be a creamy white or off-white with their characteristic black “eye” clearly visible. They should be plump, smooth, and separate easily from the inner lining of the pod.
- If the peas are very small and stick to the pod, they’re immature. If the pod shell is leathery and the peas are slightly shrunken or dull, they are beginning to dry and are better left for a dry harvest.
Timing From Flowering
As a general rule, black-eyed peas are typically ready for fresh shelling about 60 to 70 days after planting, depending on the variety and your weather. A more consistent cue is to watch the flowers. After the pretty white or yellow flowers fade and drop off, the pods will begin to form. Start your close inspections about 2 to 3 weeks after the flowers appear.
What If You Want Dry Peas?
For dried black-eyed peas, you leave the pods on the plant much longer. The harvest signs are different:
- The entire pod turns a dry, pale tan or brown color.
- The pods become papery, thin, and brittle. They will rattle when shaken because the peas inside are completely hard and dry.
- The peas themselves will be very hard and cannot be dented with a fingernail.
You can pick individual dry pods or pull up the whole plant once most pods are brown and hang it upside down in a dry place to finish drying.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Instructions
Once you’ve confirmed they’re ready, follow these steps for the best results.
- Choose the Right Time of Day: Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the afternoon heat. This is when the plants are most crisp and full of moisture.
- Use Two Hands: Use one hand to hold the stem steady and the other to pull the pod. This prevents damaging the plant.
- Pick Carefully: Gently twist and pull the pod off its stem. Avoid yanking, as you might uproot the plant or break off branches that are still producing.
- Check Frequently: Plants will produce pods over several weeks. Check your plants every two to three days once they start producing to keep up with the harvest and encourage more pods to set.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. Here’s what to watch for.
- Pods Are Too Small and Flat: You picked too early. The peas hadn’t filled out yet. Be patient and wait for the bulges to appear.
- Peas Are Tough or Starchy: You likely picked too late for the fresh shelling stage. The sugars have begun converting to starch. Use these peas for drying instead, or cook them longer in soups.
- Pods Are Mushy or Discolored: This could be from overwatering, disease, or the pods being past their prime. Remove and discard any rotten pods to keep the plant healthy.
Weather plays a big role too. Excessive rain right before harvest can cause pods to split or mold. If you see a long wet period forcasted, you might pick a bit early and let them finish plumping up off the vine.
Storing Your Fresh Harvest
Fresh black-eyed peas are best used soon after picking, but you can store them for a short while.
- In the Pod: Keep unshelled peas in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator vegetable drawer. They should last for about a week.
- Shelled Peas: Place shelled peas in an airtight container or sealed bag in the fridge. Use them within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, blanching and freezing is excellent. Shell the peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly, pack into freezer bags, and they’ll keep for up to a year.
FAQ: Your Harvest Questions Answered
Can you eat black-eyed pea pods?
No, the pods of black-eyed peas are generally too fibrous and tough to be eaten. Unlike green beans or snap peas, the value is in the seeds inside. You always shell them.
How long does it take for black-eyed peas to produce pods?
From planting, most black-eyed pea varieties begin producing pods ready for fresh harvest in about 60 to 80 days. Always check your seed packet for the “days to maturity” for your specific type.
What if my peas are different sizes in the same pod?
This is common and usually means the pod was picked a little early. The peas at the stem end often develop first. For a more uniform size, wait until all the bulges in the pod are well-defined.
Can I pick black-eyed peas when they are green?
Yes, for fresh shelling, you absolutely pick them when the pods are still green (but a duller green). “Green” here means not dried. They should not be bright green and immature, but a more mature, filled-out green pod.
Why are my black-eyed pea plants flowering but not making pods?
This is often due to extreme heat or a lack of pollinators. Temperatures consistently above 90°F can cause flowers to drop. Try planting earlier to avoid the peak summer heat, and consider adding pollinator-friendly flowers nearby to attract bees.
Harvesting black-eyed peas at the right moment is simple once you know the signals. Remember to look for the dull, bulging pod and always do the finger test to feel for those firm, rolling peas inside. With a little practice, you’ll be able to spot the perfectly ripe pods instantly. There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown black-eyed peas, fresh from your own garden.