What Helps Chickpeas Grow?

Planting

• Plant chickpeas directly in the garden two weeks before the average last frost date for the area; the young seedlings are frost tolerant, and early planting gives them a good head start for their long growing season. Place the seeds 2 inches deep, 3 to 6 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to 6 inches once they begin to grow. Some crowding of plants will allow for additional support. Alternatively, start chickpeas in pots indoors and move the seedlings to the garden when they reach 3 to 4 inches high. Chickpeas need well-drained, fertile soil with low nitrogen content; higher nitrogen levels will promote excessive leafy growth and limited or no pod production.

Conditions

• Chickpeas grow best when daytime temperatures range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures do not drop below 65 degrees. Plant chickpeas in full sun; shady conditions will slow the plant growth. Add compost regularly to enhance the soil nutrition. Avoid the possible spread of spore diseases by handling the plants only when dry.

Care

• Keep the soil moist until seedlings develop, and water regularly during the period of flower and pod production. Chickpeas are best if not watered from overhead as the falling water may knock flowers and pods from the plants. A well-drained location is essential for a successful chickpea harvest; flooding or pooled water reduces the plant growth and sets the stage for root and stem rot diseases. Mulch plants as the weather warms up to keep them moist but not waterlogged. Pull weeds when young, by hand, to not disturb the shallow roots of the chickpea plant.

Pests and Disease

• Avoiding the triggers for pest and disease problems will allow the plants to grow healthy and produce a good harvest. Purchase disease-resistant varieties and keep the garden area free of debris where insects hide and disease develops. Rotate the planting area each year so chickpeas grow in a new location, away from any problems they may have left behind the previous year.