★ Organically grown on our farm
Whippoorwill Pea, also known as Climbing Brown Speckled Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), is a historic heirloom legume treasured for its vigorous climbing vines, rich flavor, and dependable productivity. This rare variety traces its origins back to Africa and predates the 1860s, making it a valuable piece of agricultural history still appreciated by gardeners and homesteaders today.
The plants produce beautiful brown speckled peas along long slender pods and feature attractive trifoliate foliage with delicate pale purple to white flowers. Whippoorwill Peas can be harvested young as tender green pods or allowed to mature into nutritious dry peas packed with protein and essential nutrients.
This climbing cowpea variety thrives in warm climates and can reach heights of up to 8 feet when grown with trellises or fencing for support. Once established, Whippoorwill Peas are highly drought tolerant and naturally improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, making them an excellent choice for crop rotation, sustainable gardening, and homestead production.
Whippoorwill Pea Seed Details
- Quantity: 50 Seeds
- Seed Planting Depth: 1–1.5 Inches
- Germination Temperature: 70–85°F
- Days to Germination: 5–8 Days
- Row Spacing: 5 Inches
- Plant Spacing: 6 Inches
- 100-Foot Row Yield: Approx. 20 lbs
- Sun Requirements: Full Sun
- Harvest Time: Approximately 60 Days
- Growth Habit: Climbing Vine
How to Save Whippoorwill Pea Seeds
Whippoorwill Peas are primarily self-pollinating, so cross-pollination between varieties is uncommon. However, separating different cowpea varieties by approximately 50 feet is recommended when saving seed.
Allow pods to fully mature and dry naturally on the plant until they turn brown and brittle. Mature pods may also be harvested and spread out indoors or in a dry sheltered outdoor location to continue curing as long as they remain protected from rain and moisture.
Once completely dry, shell the pods to remove the peas and store the seeds in a cool dry location inside an airtight labeled container for future planting seasons.
