Chickpeas also known as, Garbanzo Beans, are commonly grown in Mediterranean environments. They like warm temperatures and can tolerate humidity fairly well. The plants are indeterminate so they continue to grow throughout the season. They have beautiful flowers that produce seed pods. The chickpeas are usually harvested when they have dried out and turned a brown or tan color. This happens late in the summer, as they take all season to grow and mature on the plant. Chickpeas are a great addition to the garden, not only for their beauty and versatility, but also for their many nutritious benefits.
Plant chickpeas directly in the soil outdoors after temperatures reach 50 degrees F. in early spring. If planting seeds indoors, sow seeds 3 – 4 weeks before the last frost date. Paper seed pods are best, so roots aren’t disturbed when the seedlings are transplanted. Pick a location that gets full sun, a good 6 – 8 hours a day. Make sure the plants have well-draining, loamy, acidic soil. Chickpeas grow wonderfully in containers and in the ground. Plant seeds 4 in. apart and 1 – 2 in. deep. As they grow and become bushy they will support each other. Water regularly and consistently so the plants stay moist, especially in the hot summer heat. Choose fertilizers that are high in phosphorous and potassium but lower in nitrogen. Only fertilize once every 6 weeks, if necessary.
After 12 – 14 weeks, Chickpeas should be ready to harvest. Tender green pods can be picked and treated like snap beans for soups or a crisp snack. Usually plants are left to dry out and brown, before the entire plant is pulled out of the soil, including the roots. Lay the dried plants down in a dry, well ventilated, location for a few weeks until the seed pods start to split. Remove the seeds from the pods at this point. Heat the chickpeas in an oven at 175 degrees F. for 20 – 30 minutes to pasteurize them. They can also be frozen for a few days. Store the chickpeas in an air tight container.
Fungal Diseases are common during periods of hot and rainy summer weather, when the humidity increases. Blight causes small spots to form on the leaves that are usually round or circular with halos and a rust color. Stems become brown or have streaks. Prevention usually involves the use of a copper based spray, ample spacing between plants, and planting disease resistant varieties. Provide good air circulation and water at the base of plants only. Blights, White Mold, Wilt, and Rot type diseases can all occur.
Aphid nymphs and adults like to suck on plant juices, attack plant leaves, stems, buds, flowers, fruits, and the roots of many vegetable plants, including chickeas. To find them look for misshaped, curling, or yellowing leaves. Look for tiny eggs on the undersides of leaves. They can be one of many colors, such as, white, tan, red, yellow, brown, or black. They are tiny and usually cover large portions of the leaves and stems. To prevent them, you can plant companion plants such as herbs that may deter or distract them. You can try and knock them off by spraying the plants thoroughly with water. Neem oil, insect soaps, cayenne pepper spray, a dusting of flour, and Diatomaceous Earth are all effective against aphids.
Armyworms are little caterpillars that move in groups and have large appetites for a variety of leafy crops like; tomato, cabbage, potato, beet, and chickpeas. Hand pick and drop the army worms in soapy water, apply neem oil in the late evening, release ladybugs or beneficial nematodes, apply Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) or Spinosad.
Leaf Miners leave white trails all over plant leaves, and lay eggs on the leaves causing reduced production. Only use insecticides if infestation is heavy. Remove any leaves with eggs and spray plants with an organic insecticide if necessary.
Cutworms cut stems of plants off at their base and they love a new transplant. Coffee grounds, egg shells, and diatomaceous earth are helpful when spread around plant bases and stems. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or another natural insecticide can be used in extreme cases. You can also hand pick them at night every few days to lower their numbers.
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