Fast Lady Northern Southern Pea
Best reliable producer for home gardeners seeking abundant, flavorful harvests.
This is a northern-adapted variety of the southern pea, also known as cowpeas or black-eyed peas. The Fast Lady pea is bred for its ability to produce both edible long, smooth pods and creamy white dry beans. Its sturdy bush plants are adorned with eye-catching yellow flowers in late summer, which are quickly followed by numerous pods. This variety was developed by Carol Deppe in Oregon, who selected an old heirloom for earlier maturity, making it more suitable for cooler climates. It's a limited supply offering.
$4.50
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3241
/ 6513
#3241 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-58%
Below average
Botanical Name
Vigna unguiculata
/ Vigna unguiculata
Who it's for
- Gardeners eager for early harvests and multiple crop rotations
- Northern gardeners wanting to cultivate traditional southern pea varieties
- Eco-conscious growers prioritizing sustainable gardening practices
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in extremely short-season or consistently cool climates
- Busy individuals seeking low-prep vegetables for their kitchen
- New gardeners unfamiliar with common legume pest management
Performance breakdown
Climate Adaptability
Expertly bred for reliable harvests in cooler northern growing regions.
Maturity Speed
Selected for early development to beat the first autumn frost.
Culinary Versatility
Functions perfectly as both a fresh snap bean and dry pulse.
Ornamental Appeal
Vibrant yellow blooms add significant aesthetic value to the vegetable patch.
Plant Vigor
Sturdy bush habit keeps pods off the ground for cleaner harvests.
Seed Scarcity
Limited supply makes this a rare find for dedicated heirloom collectors.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Vigna unguiculata
Seed Count
20-30 seeds
Planting Season
June 1 direct sowing
Yield
Dozens of pods per plant
Flower Color
Yellow
Know before you buy
Most southern peas require long, hot growing seasons to mature. The Fast Lady was specifically bred for cooler, northern climates, allowing gardeners in shorter-season regions to successfully harvest both pods and beans.
This is a dual-purpose variety. You can harvest the long, smooth pods while they are young and tender to eat like snap beans, or leave them on the plant to mature into creamy white dry beans.
These should be direct sown around June 1st. Because they are adapted for northern regions, they prefer the soil to be warm before planting to ensure proper germination.
The Fast Lady grows as a sturdy bush plant, making it a great choice for garden beds or containers. Each plant produces dozens of pods, so space them according to standard bush bean recommendations to allow for adequate airflow.
No, these are bush-type plants and do not require a trellis. They are self-supporting and stay relatively compact compared to vining pole varieties.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.