Red Ripper Cowpeas are a are a nutritious warm-season cowpea, known for their large, deep red pods and small, tender seeds. It is a prolific variety with pods that are reddish-green colored, about ten inches long and filled with up to eighteen red peas. They thrive in hot, dry climates and are perfect for gardeners looking to grow a drought-resistant crop. These peas are easy to grow, making them a fantastic choice for beginner gardeners and experienced green thumbs alike. The vigorous growth and prolific harvest ensure you’ll have plenty of beans for your kitchen. Red Ripper Cowpeas are packed with nutrients, offering a rich source of protein and fiber, ideal for creating hearty, healthy meals. Whether you're growing for the harvest or for their benefits to the garden, Red Ripper Cowpeas are a reliable and rewarding choice. Also Known As: Red Ripper Pea, Red Cowpea, Red Eye Cowpea, Red Ripper Bean, Ripper Pea, Ripper Bean, Southern Cowpea, Red Eye Bean, Red Ripper Legume, Ripper Pea Bean. Plant Name: Cowpea, Red Ripper Latin Name: Vigna unguiculata Days to Germinate: 7-14 Days to Harvest: 80 Plant Height: 3 - 4 Feet Spread: 3 - 4 Feet Growth Habit: Vining USDA Zones: 5-11 Lifespan: Annual Brand: TomorrowSeeds Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated GMO: No Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2026 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth. Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 24 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. Planting: Plant cowpeas in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is at least 65F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 12-14 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 4 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-2 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. Optionally, train plants to climb a 4-5 foot trellis or fence as they establish. Planting Depth: 1 inch Within-Row Spacing: 4 inches, trellis Between-Row Spacing: 2-3 feet Care During the Season: Watering: Cowpeas can withstand heat and dry conditions well compared to other vegetables, but yields can increase with good watering and rainfall. Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture. Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots. Fertilizing: As the plants begin to flower and set beans, you may optionally apply a fertilizer low in nitrogen to help plants produce more beans. Read and follow fertilizer instructions for best application. Water plants after fertilizing. Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions. Harvesting: For fresh cowpeas, pick individual pods when the pods are at least 6 inches in length, their seeds fill the pods well, and they are easily snapped like green beans. For dry beans, pull up the whole plant when 90% of the pods have dried off and seeds are hardened. Spread the plant in a safe area to complete the drying of the pods. Leaving the pods to completely dry on the plant may risk field weathering and losing or breaking the seeds. Break completely dried pods down the middle and push out the seeds. Store the seeds in an airtight container until ready to use.
