Are you looking for a nutrient-rich and exciting vegetable to add to your garden? I would suggest trying chickpeas. These versatile legumes are used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisine. Chickpeas grow in small seed pods in temperatures between 70 and 80°F. They are usually planted in the spring and harvested in the late summer. So you’ll need to wait through a long growing season to harvest them. They’re not just excellent for culinary adventures but also for growing in home gardens, as they enrich the soil through nitrogen fixation. This plant can grow up to 24 inches and has a lovely pink blossom. With the right knowledge and technique, you can cultivate delicious chickpeas right in your garden. So, if you’re interested in learning more about growing chickpeas, this guide is for you.
Types of Chickpeas
Chickpeas come in mainly two types: one is Desi, and the other is Kabuli.
Desi: Desi chickpeas have smaller, darker seeds with a rough seed coat. They also have purple flowers and mature comparatively 7–15 days earlier than Kabuli chickpeas.
Kabuli: Kabuli chickpeas have light-colored, larger seeds with a smoother coat. They are usually taller than Desi chickpeas and bloom white flowers.
There are also varieties that cater to the needs of specific climates and soil conditions. Check with your local agricultural extension or nursery for the best chickpea variety for your area.
When to Sow Chickpea Seeds
In regions with cold winters, chickpeas are planted in early spring once the soil has warmed. The soil temperature should be consistently above 60°F for best germination. The ideal seed-sowing time is a few weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
Preparing the Soil
Chickpeas prefer well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal. They do best in soil that is both well-drained and rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend your soil by mixing in compost to increase fertility and improve texture.
Planting Process
Seed Selection:
Choose high-quality chickpea seeds from a reputable supplier. Look for seeds that are plump and free from damage.
Location and Sunlight:
Select a planting location that receives full sun, as chickpeas require a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily.
Chickpeas require a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily. So make sure to select a location in full sun. Also, follow crop rotation rules, and try to avoid locations where you planted chickpeas or any other legumes last year. You can find more details about crop rotation rules on the internet.
Planting Depth and Spacing:
Plant the chickpeas approximately 1 to 1.5 inches deep, and space them 5 to 6 inches apart in rows. Keep the rows 18 to 24 inches apart. These seeds are large enough that you can space them by hand fairly easily. As they are bush-type plants, they don’t need any kind of staking or trellising.
Companion Planting:
Cucumbers, melons, or corn are truly fantastic companions for chickpeas. But you should keep away from onions and garlic
Watering and Maintenance
Watering:
To grow chickpeas, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during the growing season, especially when the plants are flowering and setting pods. Chickpeas prefer consistent, moderate watering. Try to give them an inch of water per week. But in a hot summer, they need more water (about 2 inches). Drip irrigation is best for chickpeas.
Mulching:
Mulch can help with moisture retention and reduce the growth of weeds. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants. Try to avoid direct contact with the stems to prevent rot.
Fertilization:
If you don’t start with well-drained, fertile soil, you may need to fertilize. As chickpeas enrich the soil through nitrogen fixation, use a balanced fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen. Fertilizers should be high in potassium, phosphorus, and micronutrients.
Harvesting Chickpeas
Chickpeas are ready to harvest when the plant’s leaves turn yellow, and the pods have dried on the plant. In the summer, you can typically harvest chickpeas in 85 to 100 days after planting. To test for readiness, check a few pods for dried, brittle shells containing fully developed, hard chickpeas.
To harvest, cut the plants at the soil level. If the majority of pods are not yet mature, you may need to wait and harvest in stages as the pods dry out.
Once harvested, remove the chickpeas from the pods. Store them in a cool, dry place in a well-ventilated container. They can last for several months if kept properly.
Pests and disease management
Aphids carry a variety of viruses that often infect chickpeas. Also, chickpeas are often affected by fungal diseases like Rhizoctonia root rot, Ascochyta blight, Pythium rot, Fusarium wilt, white mold, bacterial blight, etc.
For aphids and thrips, consider insecticidal soap or neem oil. For pod borers, inspect plants regularly and remove affected pods to prevent the spread.
to prevent diseases ensure good air circulation, plant in well-drained soil, and avoid overhead watering.
FAQs
Can you grow chickpeas indoors?
It’s not recommended. Because chickpeas need a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily. They are not suitable for indoor growing.
Can I grow chickpeas in containers or pots?
Yes, you can grow chickpeas in containers or pots. Choose pots that are at least 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter and depth. Make sure the containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Use a well-draining potting mix and place the containers in a sunny location.
Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same?
Yes, chickpeas and garbanzo beans are botanically the same legume, scientifically known as Cicer arietinum.
