When to Plant Black-Eyed Peas? Planting Time and Method Explained in Detail

SummaryBlack-eyed pea planting time: open-field planting is generally done in summer, in the Yangtze River basin from May to July, and in North China in June. Site selection: choose a warm area rich in humus for planting. Soil preparation and sowing: first clear the weeds, then plow the soil and apply decomposed farmyard manure together with a small amount of chemical fertilizer, and after raking it level, sow by direct seeding, dibbling, or furrow sowing. Later management: water lightly at the seedling stage, water about once every 10 days during the flowering and podding stage, set up trellises before the vines run, and prune and pinch back the tips in time.

I. Black-Eyed Pea Planting Time

Black-eyed peas are generally planted in the open field in summer, and can be harvested and brought to market around mid-January. Climate varies by region, so sowing time also differs; for example, planting is done around May to July in the Yangtze River basin and around June in North China.

II. Site and Seed Selection

1. Before sowing, choose an area with moderate sunlight, rich in humus, and a warm climate for planting, which helps the plants grow better and thus increases yield.

2. There are many varieties of black-eyed peas; by pod color they are green black-eyed peas, white black-eyed peas, and purple black-eyed peas. Green black-eyed peas are relatively flat and thin with a crisp, tender texture, while white and purple black-eyed peas have thicker pod flesh and a softer texture after cooking.

III. Soil Preparation and Sowing

1. After choosing the planting site, clear the weeds from the soil, then while plowing, apply about 3000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu, together with a small amount of chemical fertilizer, then rake it level so the soil and fertilizer are evenly mixed.

2. Black-eyed peas are usually grown by direct seeding, but can also be sown in furrows or by dibbling, with a plant spacing of about 30-50 cm and a row spacing of about 100-130 cm. Sow about 3-4 seeds per hole, and after the seedlings emerge, keep only two plants per hole.

IV. Later Management

1. Black-eyed peas are relatively drought-tolerant; water lightly at the seedling stage, water about 1-2 times during the vine-extending stage, and water about once every 10 days during the flowering and podding stage.

2. After watering black-eyed peas, be sure to carry out appropriate intertillage and weeding, together with fertilization, to prevent excessive vegetative growth and flower and pod drop. Apply a small amount of light fertilizer before flowering, and a heavier application during the podding stage after flowering; when fertilizing, be sure to rationally balance the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers.

3. Be sure to set up the trellis before the plants begin to run, so the stems and vines can gradually climb up the trellis. Once the main vine has grown to about 1.5 m, you can begin pruning and pinching back the tips, which helps promote side branch growth and thus earlier flowering and podding.

V. Pest and Disease Control

The main pests and diseases of black-eyed peas are aphids and pod borers. For aphid control, imidacloprid and acetamiprid can be used, and be sure to pay attention to the concentration when applying them. For pod borer control, spray the leaves with a 2500-fold dilution of 20% fenvalerate or a 1000-fold dilution of 50% fenitrothion; to avoid resistance developing, alternate once a week.