Chickpea
cicer arietinum
Also known as: ["garbanzo bean","chana"]
Overview
An annual legume widely cultivated for its edible seeds, which are a staple food in many cuisines.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","drought tolerant","nitrogen fixing"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Cicer |
| Botanical Name: | Cicer arietinum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Vegetables
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun, or container in a sunny location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Loamy, well-draining soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but yields better with amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; typically after harvest or if disease appears.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; remove only damaged or yellowing leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may reduce yield.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate seedlings gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust based on weather and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacting soil; test pH before planting.
Temperature
Warm conditions (65–85°F/18–29°C); sensitive to frost; thrives in moderate heat.
Avoid planting in late fall or early spring; protect from frost; monitor heat stress during summer.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced fertilizer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil; avoid contact with roots; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Seeds (direct sowing or indoor starting); vegetative propagation is not common for this species.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep.
- Thin seedlings to 6–8 inches apart.
- Water gently until established.
Best Time: Spring, after last frost; indoor starting 4–6 weeks before last frost.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F/21–27°C), bright, and humid environment for germination.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix; can add perlite for aeration.
Hormone
Not required for seeds; rooting hormone unnecessary for this species.
Timeline
Germination in 7–14 days; plants mature in 100–120 days.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, soil, water spray bottle, labels.
Quick Tips
Soak seeds overnight for faster germination; use bottom heat for consistent warmth; thin seedlings early to prevent overcrowding.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off affected leaves at the base; avoid cutting into healthy tissue.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or diseased foliage to improve air circulation.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Inspect for damage; sanitize tools; remove only necessary parts; dispose of diseased material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
N/A; replant annually in spring.
Pot Size
N/A; plant in garden beds or large containers (12+ inches diameter).
Method
N/A; direct sow or transplant seedlings in spring.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted; grown as an annual in most regions.
Checklist
N/A; focus on proper spacing at planting time.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage; use green manure crops to enrich soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in extreme heat; stunted growth or flower drop in cold.
Cold Stress
Stunts growth; may cause leaf yellowing and flower abortion; can lead to plant death in severe frost.
Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., row covers); plant in sheltered locations; avoid planting too early in spring.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced pod formation; may drop flowers to conserve energy.
Solution: Water deeply to cool roots; provide afternoon shade; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute as per instructions; apply during active growth; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicChickpeas are not considered toxic to cats when consumed in small quantities. They can be a source of protein and fiber, but they should not constitute a significant part of a cat's diet due to their specific nutritional requirements.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicChickpeas are not considered toxic to dogs when consumed in moderation. They can be a part of a balanced diet for dogs, providing protein and fiber. However, excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCicer arietinum, commonly known as chickpea, is a legume that is widely consumed as a food source. It is generally considered non-toxic and is a staple in many cuisines worldwide. The seeds are the edible part of the plant and are rich in protein, fiber, and various micronutrients.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are chickpeas easy to grow?
A: Chickpeas are moderately easy to grow, requiring well-drained soil and full sun.
Q: Can chickpeas be grown in containers?
A: Yes, chickpeas can be grown in large containers with adequate support for climbing varieties.
Q: Are chickpeas nutritious?
A: Yes, chickpeas are highly nutritious, rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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