Fresh and dried Red Ripper Cowpea on a white background.
Cowpea Seeds, Red Ripper
Red Ripper Cowpea beans in blue and white bowl.
Red Ripper Cowpea beans close-up
Fresh and dried Red Ripper Cowpea on a white background.
Cowpea Seeds, Red Ripper
Red Ripper Cowpea beans in blue and white bowl.
Red Ripper Cowpea beans close-up

Cowpea Seeds,
Red Ripper

4.618 Reviews#CW106 · 50 seeds
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Description

(Vigna unguiculata). A rugged and reliable red-seeded cowpea to replenish your soils and fill your belly. This old Southern standby, which was also formerly known as the Tory pea, dates back to the 1850s. It was especially popular in Alabama and South Carolina. Farmers of yesteryear regarded it highly for the copious foliage or organic matter it produced, making it an exemplary soil-improving companion crop to corn. Since the early 1900s, a number of seed catalogs have lauded this variety for its drought and heat tolerance. A look back through antique American catalogs, especially those from companies in the Southeastern U.S., shows that Red Ripper was a must-have on the farm as a sustainable soil builder and delicious treat. This heirloom creates long, running vines, smothered in long 12-14 inch pods that are loaded with nutritious peas, up to 18 in a single shell! The flowers are a beautiful blue color and the immature pods make a perfect green bean substitute. In its native range in Africa, the cowpea has historically been grown alongside millet and sorghum as a nurse crop to improve soil. George Washington Carver also sang the praises of this almost-miraculous soil saver. The seeds for cowpeas were brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans, and over subsequent centuries this legume has revived ravaged soils and nourished many.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Vigna unguiculata
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Pole
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
80–100
Planting Depth
1–2 in.
Plant Spacing
4–6 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Sow Red Ripper cowpeas after the last frost, when soil temperatures have warmed above 65°F. In warm regions, stagger plantings through early summer for extended yields. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Soaking seeds for 24 hours before planting can speed up germination. Plant Red Ripper seeds 1 to 2 inches deep in loose, well-drained soil. Space seeds 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 18 to 30 inches apart. Water lightly after sowing to settle the soil. For cover cropping, seeds can be broadcast and lightly raked in. Vines may benefit from light support or be allowed to trail.

How to Grow

Water moderately, especially during flowering and pod fill, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and minimize weeds. Trellis if space is limited or to improve air circulation. Red Ripper thrives with minimal care and rebounds well from drought or heat stress.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow pods to fully mature and dry on the plant
  • Harvest when pods are brown and brittle, and seeds rattle inside
  • Shell pods and collect seeds
  • Remove debris and inspect for damage or insect presence
  • Dry seeds thoroughly for 1–2 weeks in a shaded, airy spot
  • Store in a cool, dry, airtight container labeled with date and variety

FAQ

Is Red Ripper a bush or vining cowpea?

Red Ripper is a vigorous vining type. It can sprawl naturally or be trained up a trellis. Its growth habit makes it especially useful for cover cropping and soil erosion control.

Can Red Ripper cowpeas improve soil health?

Yes, Red Ripper fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil and provides dense ground cover, suppressing weeds and improving organic matter. It’s widely used in regenerative and conservation agriculture systems.

Are Red Ripper cowpeas edible?

Absolutely. Both fresh green pods and dry red seeds are edible and nutritious. The seeds have a rich, earthy flavor and are commonly used in soups, stews, and traditional Southern dishes.

Browse our full range of cowpea seeds.

Customer reviews

4.6 / 5 18 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Thrives in heat, drought: Keeps setting pods through heat and dry spells in poor soil.

  • Heavy producer: Long pods of twelve to sixteen peas, picked every few days.

  • Richer than black-eyed peas: Small maroon peas with deep flavor for stews.

  • Soil builder: Lush leafy vines make a summer cover crop that feeds the soil.

  • Heads up: Rampant vines smother neighbors; trellis and give it room.

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