Ripkitty Pigeon Peas (Cajanus cajan)

Pigeon Peas are a highly versatile legume native to the tropics. Grown around the world, this nitrogen-fixing powerhouse is a must-have for regenerative agriculture, permaculture setups, and drought-prone landscapes.

Also known as gungo peas, Congo peas, or tropical green peas, they thrive in dry regions, rebuild poor soils, and give a rich protein boost to every harvest.

How to Grow Pigeon Peas

1. Location: Requires warm temps and lots of sun. USDA Zones 9–13 are ideal.

2. Soil: Prefers loamy, well-drained soils. Sandy or poor soils? No problem — just amend with compost and mulch well.

3. Planting: Sow directly outdoors, 1 inch deep. Space 3 feet apart. Germinates in 10–15 days.

4. Watering: Drought-resistant, but water consistently during flowering and pod development for bigger yields.

5. Maturity: Begins flowering around 4 months in, with harvest-ready pods by 5–6 months.

6. Lifespan: Perennial in hot climates. In cooler zones, treat as an annual or grow in containers for overwintering indoors.

Perfect for homesteaders, food forests, and anyone looking to grow self-reliant crops with big benefits.