California Blackeye No. 5 Pea is an heirloom, open-pollinated cowpea variety that produces heavy yields of delicious peas that can be eaten fresh or dried. As with most field pea varieties, blackeye peas are extremely tolerant of high heat and humidity. They can be planted later in the spring compared to English peas or bush beans.

California Blackeye No. 5 Pea plants have a bush growing habit, with some moderate vine production. Although they do produce some vines, a trellis is not needed to grow these. Harvest the peas fresh as soon as pods fill, or allow the pods to dry on the plant for a dry bean harvest.