Fast Lady Northern Southern Pea (Cowpea) Seeds
Best reliable seeds for quick, abundant harvests in diverse climates.
Developed by Carol Deppe for cooler climates, this OSSI-Pledged variety of Southern pea (cowpea) thrives in maritime Oregon but also performs well in the Northeast and hot climates. Prized for its culinary qualities, 'Fast Lady' offers delicious fresh shelling peas in about 65 days and dry beans in about 95 days. The immature pods can be sautéed whole, and the cooked dry beans are noted for their exceptionally creamy texture and delicate flavor. Like other Southern peas, they cook quickly without soaking, making them a versatile ingredient.
$4.59
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3241
/ 6513
#3241 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-57%
Below average
Breeder
Carol Deppe
/ Carol Deppe
Who it's for
- Gardeners in regions with short growing seasons
- Home growers outside the traditional Southern pea belt
- Sustainable gardeners focused on soil health and rotation
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious gardeners seeking standard seed varieties
- Northern growers expecting cold-tolerant, early-season crops
- Shoppers preferring to buy seeds from local stores
Performance breakdown
Climate Versatility
Breaks the traditional Southern pea mold by thriving in cooler regions.
Culinary Utility
Exceptional versatility as both a fresh shelling pea and dry bean.
Preparation Efficiency
Quick cooking times eliminate the need for tedious overnight soaking.
Growth Habit
Semi-bush structure keeps the garden tidy and easy to manage.
Harvest Speed
Rapid sixty-five day maturity window ensures a reliable seasonal yield.
Ethical Sourcing
OSSI-Pledged status guarantees long-term seed freedom and genetic integrity.
Key Specs
Breeder
Carol Deppe
Days to Harvest
65 days for fresh shelling; 95 days for dry
Spacing
4-6” between plants; 2-3’ between rows
Planting Depth
1”
Seed Count
Average 190 seeds/oz., 3,100 seeds/lb.
Plant Type
Semi-bush habit
Edible
Yes
Container Friendly
No
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety was specifically bred by Carol Deppe to thrive in cooler regions like the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast, where traditional Southern peas often struggle.
You can harvest fresh shelling peas in approximately 65 days. If you prefer to harvest them as dry beans, they will reach maturity in about 95 days.
No, one of the best features of 'Fast Lady' is that they cook quickly without the need for pre-soaking, making them a convenient pantry staple.
No, these are not recommended for container gardening. They perform best when planted directly in the ground with a spacing of 4–6 inches between plants and 2–3 feet between rows.
Being OSSI-Pledged (Open Source Seed Initiative) means that the seeds are protected from patenting or restrictive licensing, ensuring they remain available for gardeners and farmers to save, replant, and share freely.
The immature pods are completely edible and delicious when sautéed whole. You can enjoy the plant in multiple stages, from fresh shelling peas to the creamy, delicate dry beans.
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