When To Plant Black Eyed Peas In Texas

If you’re wondering when to plant black eyed peas in Texas, you’ve come to the right place. Timing is everything for a successful harvest in the Lone Star State’s varied climate. This guide will walk you through the optimal Texas planting times and everything else you need to know to grow a bountiful crop of this Southern staple.

Black eyed peas, also known as cowpeas or Southern peas, are a warm-season legume. They thrive in Texas heat and are surprisingly drought-tolerant once established. Getting them in the ground at the correct time is the first and most crucial step toward a great yield.

The best time to plant black eyed peas in Texas is in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. For most of the state, this window runs from late March through mid-July. A second, fall planting is possible in many regions.

Because Texas has multiple distinct growing zones, a more specific schedule is helpful. Here’s a regional breakdown:

North Texas (DFW, Lubbock, Amarillo): Plant from early April to early July. The soil needs to be consistently above 65°F. A fall planting can be started in early August.
Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Hill Country): The ideal spring planting period is late March through June. For fall, aim for a planting date in late July or early August.
South Texas (Corpus Christi, Rio Grande Valley): You can start earliest here, often in late February or March. Planting can continue through August. A fall crop is very reliable, planted up until early September.
East Texas (Tyler, Houston, Beaumont): Plant from late March to late June. The humid climate is excellent for growth, but watch for fungal diseases. Fall planting around early August works well.
West Texas (El Paso, Midland): Wait until mid-April when soils warm, planting through July. The arid climate means irrigation is essential. Fall planting should be done by early August.

A good rule of thumb is to plant when the soil temperature is at least 65°F (18°C) for several days in a row. You can use a simple soil thermometer to check this. Planting in cold, wet soil will lead to poor germination and seed rot.

Why Planting Time Matters So Much

Planting at the optimal time does more than just avoid frost. It sets your plants up for their preferred growing conditions.

Black eyed peas love warmth and sunshine. Planting in warm soil speeds up germination. It also encourages strong, rapid vegetative growth before the intense summer heat triggers flowering and pod production. If you plant to late in the summer, the plants may not mature before the first fall frost in northern zones.

For fall crops, timing is about calculating backwards. You need to choose a variety whose “days to maturity” fits between your planting date and the average first frost date in your area. This ensures you get a full harvest.

Choosing the Right Variety for Texas

Selecting a variety suited to your region and season can improve your results. Here are some excellent choices for Texas gardens:

California Blackeye #5: A very popular, productive variety with large seeds. It’s well-adapted to Texas heat.
Queen Anne: A bush-type pea that is great for smaller spaces and has a concentrated harvest period.
Pinkeye Purple Hull: A Southern favorite known for its flavor and distinctive purple-tinted pods.
Mississippi Silver: A cream pea variety that is highly resistant to disease and performs consistently well.
Early Acre: As the name suggests, this is a fast-maturing variety, perfect for getting a quick crop in before peak heat or for fall planting windows.

Bush vs. Pole Types

Black eyed peas come in both bush and pole (vining) habits. Bush types grow about 2-3 feet tall and don’t require support. They tend to produce their crop over a shorter period. Pole types can grow 6-10 feet and need a trellis or fence. They produce pods over a longer season, which is great for continuous harvesting.

Your choice depends on garden space and your harvesting preference. Bush types are often easier for big, single harvests, while pole types maximize vertical space.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve got your timing and variety sorted, follow these steps for planting success.

Site Selection: Choose a spot that gets full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The more sun, the better the yield.
Soil Preparation: Black eyed peas prefer well-drained soil. They fix their own nitrogen, so avoid soils with excessive nitrogen. Work in some compost to improve texture and fertility. A soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is ideal.
Planting Seeds: Sow seeds directly in the garden. Plant them 1 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart in rows that are 2.5 to 3 feet apart. For bush types, you can also use a wide-row planting method, scattering seeds in a band. If planting a pole variety, set up your trellis system first.
Watering: Water the seeds in well after planting. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge, which usually takes 7-14 days.

Caring for Your Growing Plants

After germination, your main tasks are watering, weeding, and watching for pests.

Watering: Water deeply about once a week if rainfall is lacking. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are best. The plants are drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture during flowering and pod development improves yield.
Weeding: Keep the area around young plants weed-free. Once they are established, their dense foliage will help shade out weeds.
Fertilizing: Usually unnecessary! As legumes, they work with bacteria to take nitrogen from the air. If growth seems stunted, a light application of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer is okay early on.
Pests & Diseases: Watch for aphids, cowpea curculios, and stink bugs. Handpick or use insecticidal soap as needed. Good air circulation and avoiding wet leaves helps prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew.

Harvesting Your Black Eyed Peas

You can harvest black eyed peas in two stages: as fresh “shellies” or as dry peas.

For fresh peas, pick the pods when they are well-filled but still green and slightly flexible. The peas inside should be tender. Shell them and cook soon after harvest for the best flavor.

For dry peas, which are perfect for storage, let the pods mature fully on the vine. They will turn tan or brown and become dry and papery. Pick these pods and shell the hard, dry peas inside. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Don’t forget that the young, tender leaves of the plant are also edible and can be used like spinach in many dishes.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even with good timing, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to handle them:

Poor Germination: This is often caused by planting in soil that is to cold or too wet. Always wait for soil warmth and ensure good drainage.
Lots of Leaves, Few Pods: This can happen if there’s to much nitrogen in the soil, often from fertilizer meant for lawns or other vegetables. Remember, they make their own nitrogen.
Chewed Leaves or Pods: Likely insect pests. Inspect plants regularly in the early morning or evening. Floating row covers can protect young plants.
Yellowing Leaves: Could be overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency (like iron in alkaline soils). Check your watering habits and consider a soil test.

FAQ: Your Texas Black Eyed Peas Questions Answered

Can I plant black eyed peas from the grocery store?
You can try, but it’s not recommended. Grocery store peas may be older, have lower germination rates, and might have been treated for storage. For best results, buy fresh, untreated seeds from a garden center or seed company.

What is the latest I can plant black eyed peas in Texas?
For a fall harvest, count back the “days to maturity” on your seed packet from your area’s average first frost date. Add about two weeks as growth slows in cooler fall weather. In South Texas, you can plant into early September. In North Texas, aim to have them in by late July.

Do black eyed peas need a trellis?
Only the pole or vining types need support. Bush types are self-supporting and do not require a trellis, making them simpler to grow.

How long does it take for black eyed peas to grow?
Most varieties take between 60 and 90 days from planting to harvest for fresh peas. Dry peas will take a bit longer, often an additional 2-3 weeks after pods form.

Can I grow black eyed peas in a container?
Yes! Choose a compact bush variety and use a large pot (at least 12 inches deep and wide) with good drainage. Water container plants more frequently, as they dry out faster.

By following these regional timing guidelines and simple care tips, you’ll be well on your way to a productive harvest of black eyed peas. They’re a resilient and rewarding crop that truly embodies the spirit of a Texas summer garden.