Chickpeas are a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-grow crop that can be grown in most parts of the world. They’re also a great investment because they’re drought-resistant, disease-resistant, and can even fix nitrogen in the soil.
So why not grow your own? Let us help you start this journey by teaching you how to grow chickpeas from start to finish!
Before you start to learn how to grow chickpeas, get to know more about this legume!
Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are a type of legume that grows in pods and are commonly used in Indian cuisine. They’re usually cooked and eaten with other ingredients, such as rice or vegetables, but they’re also used to make hummus and falafel. Because they’re so versatile, chickpeas can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Chickpeas contain the following.
- Protein
- Fiber
- Iron
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Low in fat and calories
Chickpeas are one of the top ten most consumed foods worldwide, and they’ve been cultivated in India since ancient times. They’re also one of the only plants that can grow in salty soil, so they’re particularly suited to arid climates like those found in many parts of Africa and Asia.
How to grow chickpeas from seed?
The first thing you need to learn to grow chickpeas is to consider some factors, such as the following.
- Perfect timing
- Location or planting site
- Depth, space, and support
- Plant care
When should you plant chickpeas?
The best time to plant chickpeas is in the late spring to early summer, when the soil temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s important to wait until the ground is warm enough before planting chickpeas because they don’t like cold temperatures at first. Once they germinate, they’ll need consistent water throughout their growing season.
Where should you plant chickpeas?
Chickpeas are great for many climates, but they do best in areas with long and hot summers. They need deep, sandy soil that drains well but not too quickly. They also prefer full sun, though they’ll grow in partial shade, it’s not ideal for them.
Chickpeas need at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive, so if you’re looking for an easy crop that doesn’t require much special care or attention, this one is for you!
Another important thing to note is not to grow chickpeas in the same spot where you grew other legumes a year before.
How much depth, space, and support do chickpeas need?
Generally, chickpeas need about 2-3 inches of depth when planted. But if you have small seeds, you can bury them 1 inch.
Meanwhile, chickpeas need a lot of space to grow. They’re one of the largest legumes in the world, so they can get pretty tall! That’s why it’s important to plant them with 4 inches of space apart.
And fortunately, chickpeas are sturdy enough that they don’t need any trellis or stake! That would save you money, time, and effort in setting up support.
How should you care for your growing chickpeas?
If you’ve planted your chickpeas in the right conditions, they don’t need much care and attention. But still, you need to monitor the following conditions essential on how to grow chickpeas.
1. Light
Ensure that your chickpeas get 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. They need it to thrive and grow well. But the afternoon shade will be sufficient for your chickpeas if you live in hot southern climates.
2. Water
Chickpeas only need 1 inch of water every week, given that there is no rain. But if you’re in hot southern climates, you must give them at least 2 inches of water.
Water your plant slowly and deeply. If you have drip irrigation, that would be best!
3. Soil
Chickpeas thrive in soil with a pH ranging from 5.3 to 7 but aim for 6. Likewise, don’t forget to add organic matter to make the soil nutrient-rich.
4. Humidity and temperature
Chickpeas thrive in warm temperatures, but it doesn’t mean they’re hot-weather crops. You just need to ensure that they’re getting the right warmth. In fact, 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is enough for them during the daytime. While in the nighttime, they do well at 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moreover, moderate humidity is just fine with these legumes, so it’s something you shouldn’t worry too much about.
5. Fertilizer
Chickpeas are legumes, meaning they have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria called rhizobia in their roots. These bacteria fix nitrogen from the air into forms that plants can use, which is why legumes don’t need as much fertilizer as other types of crops.
However, if you plan to fertilize your chickpea plants, you need to use an organic source such as composted manure or worm castings from your garden waste bin.
Your chickpeas also need a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium and low in nitrogen so make sure you apply the right one.
6. Pollination
Chickpeas pollinate naturally and don’t need insects in their pollinating process!
Tips for growing chickpeas
Here are several tips on how to grow chickpeas.
- Plant them in full sun with good drainage.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water your chickpeas when the soil feels dry about 2 inches down.
- Don’t water the plants too much, or they’ll get root rot and die! Let the ground dry out between watering.
- Choose the right variety of chickpea plants for your area. There are several kinds of chickpea plants, each with its own needs and characteristics, so make sure you choose one that matches where you live!
- Plant chickpeas in rows or hills.
- You must add lime or wood ash to your soil before planting, as it helps break down the nitrogen-sulfur bond in your soil, which makes it hard for plants to absorb nutrients like nitrogen.
- Don’t plant too many seeds at once. You’ll need to thin out the plants later on.
- Ensure you have enough room in your garden for the plants to grow (at least 1 square foot per plant).
Grow your chickpeas today!
There you have it! Learning how to grow chickpeas is easy and fun! You can start it on a small scale or in a large garden, depending on how much space you have. The best part about growing chickpeas is that they’re so nutritious, so you’ll get some of the best vegetables while also helping your garden grow healthier and stronger!
If you’ve got extra time on your hands, try growing chickpeas in your garden today while following the above information. Happy gardening!