How to Grow Southern Peas

Updated June 2026

A warm-season fruiting for the home garden across the warmer US.

Southern Peas are a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

🌱 Plant profile: Southern Peas, with sowing times for your region, companion plants and common pests.

When to plant

Plant Southern Peas in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the southern peas page for exact timing.

Varieties

• California Blackeye No. 5, The standard black-eyed pea (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)
• Pinkeye Purple Hull, Productive, easy to shell (Baker Creek)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 3 in between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 1.25 in deep.
• Water: roughly 1.6 gal per plant every 5 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids, Stink bugs and Cowpea curculio. In humid regions, Root-knot nematode and Powdery mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Southern Peas are usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant southern peas where you garden.

See also: Southern Peas in the plant library →

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