California Blackeye No. 5 S

🌿 California Blackeye No. 5 Cowpea Seeds – Heirloom Southern Favorite

Price: $12.90 – $45.00 
Days to Maturity: 60–70 days
Plant Type: Bush Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained, amended with compost
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Seed Count: Approximately 50 seeds per packet
Origin: Open-pollinated, heirloom varietyReimer Seeds

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🌱 Overview

California Blackeye No. 5 is a classic Southern cowpea variety cherished for its rich flavor, adaptability, and ease of cultivation. This open-pollinated, heirloom variety is ideal for home gardeners, market growers, and anyone seeking a reliable, high-yielding legume.

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🌿 Plant Characteristics

• Growth Habit: Upright, semi-spreading vines reaching 18–24 inches in height.

• Pod Size: 6–8 inches long, well-filled with medium to large seeds.

• Seed Appearance: Cream-colored seeds with a distinctive black "eye," characteristic of black-eyed peas.

• Maturity: Approximately 60–70 days from planting to harvest.

• Disease Resistance: Resistant to Fusarium wilt and root-knot nematodes.

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🍽️ Culinary Uses

California Blackeye No. 5 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.

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🌾 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.

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🛒 Purchasing Options

California Blackeye No. 5 seeds are available from various reputable suppliers:

• Thresh Seed Co.: Offers untreated, non-GMO seeds with free shipping on orders over $35.

• Reimer Seeds: Provides untreated seeds with a double money-back guarantee.

• UC Davis Foundation Seed Program: Maintains foundation seed for this variety.

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Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, California Blackeye No. 5 peas offer a reliable and rewarding growing experience. Their adaptability to various soil types and growing conditions, combined with their culinary versatility, make them a valuable addition to any garden.