When To Plant Purple Hull Peas In Mississippi

If you’re planning your Mississippi garden, knowing when to plant purple hull peas is the key to a great harvest. This classic Southern crop thrives in our heat, but timing it right makes all the difference.

Let’s look at the best planting times and how to get your peas off to a strong start. With a little planning, you can enjoy a long season of these nutritious and tasty legumes.

The prime planting window for purple hull peas in Mississippi is from late April through mid-July. The soil temperature is the real guide. You want it to be reliably warm, at least 65°F, but 70°F or higher is ideal for fast germination.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown by region:

North Mississippi: Aim for early May to early July. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and spring soils have warmed up.
Central Mississippi: You can often start a bit earlier, from late April through mid-July. The longer summer allows for successional plantings.
South Mississippi: This region has the longest season. Planting can typically begin in mid-April and extend into late July.

A great strategy is to plant in succession. Instead of planting all your seeds at once, sow a new row every two to three weeks from your start date until about 10-12 weeks before your first expected fall frost. This staggers your harvest so you’re not overwhelmed, and it ensures a continuous supply.

Why Soil Temperature Matters More Than a Date

Planting in cold, wet soil is a common mistake. Seeds will rot or germinate very poorly. A simple soil thermometer is a valuable tool. If you don’t have one, a folk rule is to wait until the leaves on the oak trees are as big as a squirrel’s ear.

Another good indicator is when you can comfortably go barefoot in your garden soil. If it’s too cold for your feet, it’s too cold for your pea seeds.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Purple hull peas aren’t picky, but they do best in well-drained soil with full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily).

Clear the Area: Remove all weeds and grass from your planting site.
Loosen the Soil: Till or turn the soil to a depth of about 8-12 inches. This helps the roots grow deep.
Amend if Needed: While they fix their own nitrogen, peas appreciate phosphorus and potassium. Mix in some compost or a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer according to package directions before planting. Too much nitrogen will give you lush leaves but few pods.

How to Plant Purple Hull Pea Seeds

Planting is straightforward. You sow the seeds directly in the garden; they don’t transplant well.

Create Rows: Make rows about 36 inches apart. This gives plants room to bush out and makes harvesting easier.
Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2-4 inches apart within the row. You can thin them later if they get to crowded.
Cover and Water: Gently cover the seeds with soil and water the row thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge, which usually takes 7-14 days.

Caring for Your Growing Plants

Once established, purple hull peas are quite drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Watering: Water deeply about once a week if rain is lacking. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases; soaker hoses or drip irrigation are best.
Weeding: Keep the area around young plants weed-free. A layer of mulch (like straw or pine needles) helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
Pest Watch: Keep an eye out for aphids and cowpea curculios. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can manage most issues. Deer and rabbits may also be interested, so fencing might be necessary.

Knowing When to Harvest

Most purple hull pea varieties are ready for harvest 60 to 70 days after planting. The pods are best picked when they are well-filled out and have turned a deep purple or burgundy color.

If your unsure, shell a test pod. The peas should be plump and tender, with no dimpling. For fresh “shelled” peas, harvest when the pod is fully colored but before it starts to dry. For “snaps,” where you eat the entire young pod, harvest much earlier when the pods are still green and tender.

Pick regularly to encourage the plant to produce more pods. If you miss some and they become dry and leathery, you can still harvest them for dried peas.

Popular Varieties for Mississippi Gardens

Choosing a good variety can improve your success. Some excellent choices include:

Mississippi Purple: A reliable, high-yielding heirloom.
Pinkeye Purple Hull: Extremely popular, known for its productivity and flavor.
Quickpick: A compact, bush-type that’s great for smaller spaces.
California Blackeye #5: While a blackeye, it performs very similiar to purple hulls in the garden.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even easy crops can have issues. Here’s what to watch for:

Slow Growth/Yellow Leaves: This is often from cold soil at planting. Just be patient if planted early; growth will explode when true summer heat arrives.
Few Pods: Usually caused by excessive nitrogen or not enough sun. Ensure they get full sunlight.
Powdery Mildew: A white fungus on leaves. Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, and use a fungicide if severe.

FAQ: Your Purple Hull Pea Questions Answered

Can I plant purple hull peas in the fall?
Yes, in South and Central Mississippi, you can plant a fall crop about 80-90 days before your first expected frost. This is often in late July or early August.

How late is too late to plant?
Count back from your average first frost date. Your peas need about 60-70 days to mature, so stop planting about 10-12 weeks before that frost to ensure a good harvest.

Do they really fix nitrogen?
Yes! Purple hull peas, like other legumes, have bacteria in their root nodules that take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form plants can use. This improves your soil for future crops.

What’s the best way to store fresh purple hull peas?
For short-term use, keep them in a perforated bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. For long-term storage, blanch and freeze them, or allow pods to dry completely on the vine for dried peas.

By following these simple guidelines on when to plant purple hull peas in Mississippi, you’ll set your garden up for a productive and delicious season. Just remember warm soil, full sun, and regular picking are the main ingredients for success. Get those seeds ready, and you’ll be enjoying this Southern staple before you know it.