🌿 Chickpea: Growing Guide
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at 15–35 °C (59–95 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–8.0. Space plants about 15 cm (5.9 in) apart. Expect 90–100 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Cicer arietinum |
|---|---|
| Category | Legumes |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 15–35 °C (59–95 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 90–100 days |
| Sowing depth | 3 cm (1.2 in) |
| Height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Feb · Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Aug · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: May · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Jan, Sep · Plant out: Feb, Oct · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Nov.
Watering
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Drought tolerant.
Growing tips
A Greek tradition! Hummus. Fixes nitrogen. Dry or fresh. Drought tolerant.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Chickpea: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Feb · Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun.
Chickpea: how often should I water it?
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Drought tolerant.
Chickpea: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 15 cm (5.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 3 cm (1.2 in).
Chickpea: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 90–100 days.
Chickpea: which plants grow well with it?
Wheat, Lentil.
Chickpea: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Botrytis, Helicoverpa.
Plan your garden
Add Chickpea to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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