Red Ripper

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Planting Schedule

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Velvety pods give way to beans with a striking, jet-black eye set in a rich, warm red-brown field—each one glossy and beautifully uniform.

Red Ripper’s tender, creamy interior brings a mellow, earthy sweetness with a satisfying bite, making it a standout for fresh shelling and for hearty pot-style favorites. Grow it for reliable, warm-season performance and a harvest that looks as remarkable as it tastes—boldly patterned beans ready to shine in your favorite preparations.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 65 DaysHabit: Bush

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Red Ripper Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Jul 29th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 19th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 19th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Jul 23rd – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 19th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Jul 17th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jul 12th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Jul 8th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jul 5th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jun 29th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	Jun 24th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	Jun 14th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	Jun 5th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	May 27th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	May 10th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	Apr 15th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	Continuous Production
Zone 10b	Continuous Production
Zone 11a	Continuous Production
Zone 11b	Continuous Production
Zone 12a	Continuous Production
Zone 12b	Continuous Production
Zone 13a	Continuous Production
Zone 13b	Continuous Production

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	70
Min Night Temp (°F)	60
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Ripper’s creamy interior and intact bite make it ideal for dishes where you want the beans to feel lush but not blow out—think stews and warm salads that hold their shape. The jet-black eye reads visually next to smoky, tangy partners, so it shows up as both comfort food and presentation.

Best Uses

fresh-shelling and quick pan-sauté with butter and salt
pot-style stews where the beans stay intact (smoky, tomato, or ham-adjacent)
tossing with vinegar-forward dressings while still warm from the boil
making a thick mash for spreading or spooning over rice and greens

Flavor Profile

creamy, starchy bean center mellow earthy sweetness buttery finish with a clean, savory snap warm legume aroma

Kitchen Pairings

smoked pork okra tomatoes garlic butter vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease on Vigna unguiculata (black-eyed peas) and how do I stop it?

Watch for aphids and thrips, which can stunt plants and spread problems as pods form. Spray affected foliage with a strong jet of water, then treat with insecticidal soap (follow label directions) once early and repeat 5–7 days later if needed. Also keep leaves dry by watering at soil level to reduce fungal leaf spots that can show up in humid spells.

How often should I water Vigna unguiculata during peak growth and pod fill?

During active growth and pod fill, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil feel dry, especially once the plants start flowering and setting pods. Avoid frequent shallow watering, which encourages weak roots and makes plants more prone to stress and leaf diseases.

How can I tell when Vigna unguiculata (black-eyed peas) ‘Red Ripper’ is ready to harvest?

Harvest dry beans when pods are fully mature, dry, and brittle, and the peas rattle inside; this is usually around 60–70 days for Vigna unguiculata. For fresh shelling (green beans), pick pods when they are filled but still tender and the peas are not fully hard. If you’re unsure, open a pod—if the peas are firm and the pod is drying down, you’re at the right stage.