Southern Pea Seeds - Piggot Pea
Best heirloom legume for gardeners seeking drought-tolerant, high-yield harvests.
Discover the delightful Piggot Pea, an heirloom Southern Pea variety (*Vigna unguiculata*) dating back to the 1850s. Sourced from the Bradshaw Collection at Clemson University, this vining field pea is highly productive and shows good drought resistance, thriving even in poor soils. Grown on a small farm, it is prized for having the best flavor among field peas. Harvest pods fresh for eating or allow them to dry completely on the vine for dried peas. Each packet contains a minimum of 45 seeds, ready for direct sowing after the last frost.
$3.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5867
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Botanical Name
Vigna unguiculata
/ Vigna unguiculata
Who it's for
- Gardeners in hot, arid climates struggling with crop failure
- Home cooks prioritizing rich flavor for fresh or preserved meals
- Homesteaders focused on seed saving and long-term garden self-sufficiency
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners seeking quick, low-effort harvest processing
- Gardeners wanting low-maintenance crops without active pest management
- Urban growers with limited space or no trellising infrastructure
Performance breakdown
Drought Resilience
Thrives in challenging conditions where other varieties typically struggle.
Culinary Versatility
Equally delicious harvested fresh or dried for long-term pantry storage.
Yield Potential
Highly productive vining habit ensures a bountiful harvest per square foot.
Soil Adaptability
Robust growth even in poor soil makes this an easy grower.
Heirloom Authenticity
Sourced from the Bradshaw Collection for genuine historical genetic integrity.
Ease of Sowing
Straightforward direct-sowing process perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Vigna unguiculata
Seed Stock Origin
Bradshaw Collection at Clemson University
Type
Vining-type
Minimum Seeds per Packet
45
Packet Weight
14g
Planting Season
After Last Frost
Sowing Method
Direct Seed
Seed Depth
1-2"
Features
- Heirloom Southern Pea variety
- Very productive and drought resistant
- Excellent flavor for eating or drying
- Heat-loving legume
- Self-pollinating flowers
- Small farm grown seeds
What customers say
Gardeners express high satisfaction with Sow True Seed's Piggot Pea, focusing primarily on the exceptional quality and flavor of the harvest. Reviewers consistently report outstanding germination success, building immediate confidence in the seed viability. Once grown, this heirloom variety is a prolific producer, thriving in Southern climates. The core appeal is the authentic, rich taste and superior texture, which customers value highly over common cowpeas. This reliability and true-to-type performance confirm the strong value proposition for those dedicated to preserving traditional culinary experiences. The seeds are highly recommended for dependable, flavorful yields.
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in poor soils where other crops might struggle. It is a highly productive, drought-resistant plant that performs well in challenging environments.
You can do both. Piggot Peas are versatile; you can harvest the pods fresh for immediate eating or leave them on the vine until they dry completely if you prefer to store them as dried peas.
No, these seeds are intended for direct sowing into the garden soil after the last frost has passed. Ensure your soil temperature is between 65 and 90 ℉ for the best germination results.
Because they are a vining-type pea, they will need some vertical space or support. When planting, space your seeds 2 to 3 inches apart, with a mature spacing of 2 to 4 inches between plants.
Yes, the Piggot Pea is a verified heirloom variety dating back to the 1850s. These specific seeds are sourced from the Bradshaw Collection at Clemson University and are grown on a small farm.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.