Holstein Cowpea – “Very unique, this pea is mottled half black and half white, just like a Holstein cow. The small bush plants yield well and are easy to grow. Very rare.” ~ Baker Creek Heirlooom Seeds

One of the delights of my 2016 garden has been the heirloom Holstein Cowpea. I have eaten the offerings of this plant as a snapped green bean, and also harvested the cowpeas when the pods are dry. I will grow the dried cowpeas I’ve saved in next year’s garden. I’m also storing a few to eat as a specialty bean in winter soups. The cowpeas did well grown in the ground and in a hanging basket.

I will definitely grow this variety next year, and hope to plant and harvest a bumper crop. An added benefit of the cowpeas is growing legumes adds nitrogen to soil.