Chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans, are a versatile legume that can be used in various culinary dishes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant, grow and harvest chickpeas:
Planting Chickpeas
Choose the Right Location
Chickpeas thrive in full sun which means they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Select a spot in your garden or growing area that receives adequate sunlight.
Prepare the Soil
Chickpeas prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.5). You can test your soil’s pH using a soil testing kit.
To improve soil fertility and water retention, incorporate organic matter like compost into the soil. This will provide essential nutrients and help the soil retain moisture.
Before planting, clear the area of rocks, weeds and other debris that could hinder chickpea growth.
Sow Seeds
Chickpeas can be grown from seeds purchased from a garden center or saved from a previous harvest. Make sure the seeds are clean and dry.
Plant chickpea seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 4-6 inches apart in rows or raised beds. Rows should be spaced 12-18 inches apart.
You can also sow multiple seeds in small mounds or hills, spacing the mounds about 18 inches apart.
Watering
Water the newly planted seeds thoroughly after planting. Chickpeas prefer consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged.
Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season especially during flowering and pod development stages.
Growing Chickpeas
Supporting Growth
Chickpea plants can be bushy and may benefit from support to keep them off the ground. You can use stakes or trellises to support the plants as they grow.
Fertilizing
Chickpeas are not heavy feeders, so they don’t require excessive fertilization. At planting time, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer according to package instructions.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of pod development.
Weeding
Keep the planting area free of weeds. Weeds can compete with chickpea plants for nutrients, water, and space, so regular weeding is essential.
Pest and Disease Control
Monitor your chickpea plants for common pests such as aphids and caterpillars. If you notice a pest infestation, you can use organic pest control methods or insecticidal soap to manage the problem.
Chickpeas are generally less susceptible to diseases than some other legumes, but it’s still a good practice to keep an eye out for any signs of disease and take appropriate action if needed.
Harvesting Chickpeas
Flowering Stage
Chickpea plants will start to produce flowers about 8-10 weeks after planting. These flowers are typically white or pink and are a sign that the plant is progressing well.
Pod Development
After pollination the flowers will develop into pods. As the pods mature, they will swell and become plump as the chickpeas inside grow.
Harvest Time
Chickpeas are ready to harvest when the pods have turned brown and dry. This usually occurs around 90-100 days after planting.
You can also test a few pods by opening them to ensure the chickpeas inside are firm and fully developed.
Harvesting Method
To harvest chickpeas gently pull the entire plant out of the ground or cut the plant at the base.
After harvesting, you can hang the plants in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few weeks to allow the pods to finish drying.
Shelling Chickpeas
Once the pods are fully dry remove the chickpeas from the pods by gently squeezing or using your fingers. The chickpeas should quickly come out.
Store the chickpeas in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.