Hercules African (Southern) Pea
Vigna unguiculata
Seeds per pack ~50
Germination: 88% Nov 2024 Packed for 2025
This vegetable seems to have a different name in each section of the country. Southern peas are also called cowpeas, field peas, crowder peas, and black-eyed peas. Several varieties have historically been cultivated in Africa, and were transported to the Americas via the transatlantic slave trade, hence a new term, African Peas. By whatever name you call them, they’re an old favorite in the South. The Hercules Southern Pea has large, brown seeds with 8-9" pods held upright. This bushy plant with short runners is easy to shell.
The Hercules Southern Pea, is valued for its high protein content and adaptability to a range of soil conditions. This variety is distinguished by its robust growth habit, producing vigorous vines that yield a high quantity of pods. The peas themselves are typically cream-colored with a black "eye," where they attach to the pod.
Hercules Southern Peas are known for their disease resistance and drought tolerance, making them a popular choice in regions with hot and arid climates. They mature relatively quickly, contributing to their popularity among both commercial growers and home gardeners. In addition to their nutritional benefits, these peas are often used in crop rotation programs to improve soil fertility, as they have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil.
