{"product_id":"cowpea-red-ripper","title":"Cowpea Seeds, Red Ripper","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eVigna unguiculata\u003c\/em\u003e). 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Ripper cowpeas are fast-growing, vigorous growers ideal for hot climates and poor soils. Their long vines can be trellised or allowed to sprawl, making them excellent for weed suppression and ground cover. Known for deep red seed coats and drought tolerance, Red Ripper also boosts soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and serves as both a food crop and cover crop.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511482941726,"sku":"CW106","price":3.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/cowpea_red_ripper.jpg?v=1782400657","url":"https:\/\/www.rareseeds.com\/products\/cowpea-red-ripper","provider":"RareSeeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}