California Blackeye No. 46

California Blackeye No. 46 Cowpea: A Comprehensive Overview

California Blackeye No. 46 is a high-yielding, disease-resistant variety of southern pea (cowpea), developed by the University of California, Davis. This open-pollinated cultivar is favored for its upright growth habit, creamy-colored seeds with a distinctive black "eye," and excellent adaptability to various growing conditions.

🌱 Plant Characteristics

• Growth Habit: Upright bush, approximately 24 inches tall, facilitating easy harvesting.

• Pod Characteristics: Pods are 6 to 8 inches long, well-filled, and borne above the foliage.

• Seed Appearance: Cream-colored seeds with a black pigment around the hilum (eye), characteristic of "black-eye" type southern peas.

• Maturity: Approximately 90 days from planting.

🍽️ Culinary Uses

California Blackeye No. 46 peas are versatile in the kitchen. They can be harvested at the green shell stage for fresh consumption or allowed to mature and dry for storage. The seeds are prized for their creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a staple in Southern cuisine. They are commonly used in dishes such as Hoppin' John, soups, stews, and salads.

🌾 Agronomic Benefits

• Disease Resistance: Resistant to Fusarium wilt (Race 1 and 2) and root-knot nematodes.

• Yield: Higher yield compared to California Blackeye No. 5, though with slightly smaller seeds.

• Growth Habit: More erect than California Blackeye No. 5, facilitating easier harvesting.

• Maturity: Slightly faster maturity compared to California Blackeye No. 5.

🌞 Growing Tips

• Planting Time: Sow seeds in the spring after the last frost date.

• Soil Preparation: Ensure well-drained soil; amend with compost if necessary.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer; inoculant is recommended to promote healthy root development.

• Harvesting: Harvest pods when they are fully mature and dry for storage.

🛒 Purchasing Options

• Browning Seed: Offers seeds in multiple sizes. browningseed.com