Texas Cream 8 Southern Pea is a heat-tolerant, bush-type Southern pea that produces abundant white flowers and curved, constricted pods measuring approximately 5 inches long. This productive heirloom is valued for fresh eating, shelling, drying, animal fodder, and soil-building. Like other cowpeas, it can grow well on challenging ground while contributing organic matter and fixing nitrogen, making it a useful choice for hot Southern gardens and crop rotation.

Germination Rate: 93%. Test Date: 12/25. CTS.

Why Choose Texas Cream 8 Southern Pea?

• Classic Southern heirloom: Grow a time-tested Southern pea valued for dependable production, authentic flavor, and versatility in the garden and kitchen.
• Exceptional heat tolerance: This warm-season crop thrives in hot Southern summers where other legumes may struggle to produce.
• Nitrogen-fixing crop: Southern peas can enrich the soil with nitrogen and organic matter, making them useful in crop rotation and as a green-manure crop.
• Productive bush habit: Compact plants produce abundant flowers and pods without requiring staking, making them practical for organized garden rows.
• Weed-suppressing growth: Dense foliage shades the soil, helping reduce weed pressure and maintenance during the growing season.
• Pollinator-friendly flowers: White blossoms attract beneficial insects and add biodiversity to the garden.
• Versatile harvest: Enjoy the peas fresh, shelled, dried for storage, or grown as animal fodder.

Planting Tips for Success

• Direct sow outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 65°F. In Texas and the South, sow from April through July for summer and fall harvests.
• Choose a location with full sun and at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Plant in well-drained soil with a pH of approximately 5.8 to 7.0. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer because Southern peas fix their own nitrogen.
• Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 3 to 4 inches apart in rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart after germination.
• Water at planting and during dry spells. Established plants tolerate dry conditions, but consistent moisture supports flowering and pod development.
• The bush habit generally does not require staking, although support can help if plants become heavily loaded with pods.
• For best nitrogen fixation, use an inoculant labeled for cowpeas or Southern peas according to the product directions.
• Expect maturity in approximately 65 to 75 days from direct sowing, depending on growing conditions.
• Harvest pods when they are full and cream-colored but before they become fully dry on the plant. Shell promptly or refrigerate fresh peas for short-term storage.
• For dried peas, allow pods to mature and dry on the plant, then shell and store the peas in a cool, dry place.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®

• Veteran-Owned Business: David's Garden Seeds® is a veteran-owned business dedicated to providing gardeners with quality seeds and practical growing inspiration.
• GO TEXAN Certified: David's Garden Seeds® is a member of the GO TEXAN agriculture program, supporting Texas agriculture and local communities.
• Safe Seed Integrity Pledge: We stand behind the Safe Seed Integrity Pledge and our commitment to providing quality, non-GMO seed products.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds® has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.
• Great Customer Service: Our team is here to help you choose seeds, understand planting details, and get the most from your garden.

Cooking Methods

• Southern boiled peas: Simmer shelled peas with onion, seasoning, and smoked ham or another savory ingredient for a classic Southern side dish.
• Hoppin' John: Combine cooked Southern peas with rice, onion, and seasonings for a traditional Southern meal.
• Fresh pea salad: Toss cooked and cooled peas with fresh vegetables, herbs, and vinaigrette for a hearty summer salad.
• Pan-fried peas: Sauté cooked peas in butter or another cooking fat with herbs and seasoning for a savory side.
• Dried peas: Use fully dried and shelled peas in winter soups, stews, and other recipes after proper cooking.

Order Texas Cream 8 Southern Pea Seeds Today!

Nutritional Information

• Serving: One-half cup of cooked Southern peas or cowpeas, approximately 83 grams.
• Calories: Approximately 100 calories per serving.
• Total fat: Approximately 0.5 grams, or 1% Daily Value.
• Sodium: Approximately 3 milligrams, or 0% Daily Value.
• Total carbohydrates: Approximately 18 grams, or 7% Daily Value.
• Dietary fiber: Approximately 6 grams, or 21% Daily Value.
• Total sugars: Approximately 3 grams.
• Protein: Approximately 7 grams.
• Iron: Approximately 2.2 milligrams, or 12% Daily Value.
• Potassium: Approximately 356 milligrams, or 8% Daily Value.
• Folate: Approximately 105 micrograms, or 26% Daily Value.

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Seed variety, packet size, and count are as described. Results may vary with growing conditions, climate, soil quality, and gardening practices.
• Seed Storage: Store unused seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Protect them from heat and moisture until planting.
• Planting Zones: Southern peas are warm-season annuals. They perform best when planted after frost danger has passed and are especially well suited to warm Southern growing regions.

Grow something beautiful. Grow something delicious. Grow with David's Garden Seeds®.