Type
heirloom, cowpea
Black-Eyed Pea variety
Red Ripper Black-Eyed Pea
Red Ripper is an old cowpea with vining habit and strong heat tolerance. It is grown for both fresh shelling and dry use in traditional gardens.
Days to maturity
70-90
Best for
hot climates, heirloom production
About Red Ripper
Red Ripper is an old cowpea variety often grown as both a pea crop and a cover crop, with reddish-brown mature seeds and vigorous vining growth. It is heat tolerant and adaptable, but less of a compact garden type than modern bush selections.
Growing Red Ripper Black-Eyed Pea
Allow extra room or trellis support if you want easier picking, because the vines can spread aggressively. For edible use, shell pods when seeds are fully formed but before they harden.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all black-eyed peas, see the complete guide.
How to grow Black-Eyed PeasOther black-eyed peas varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.