How to Grow Black Chickpea
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Black Chickpea
Cicer arietinum (black variety)
vegetableBlack chickpea is a legume crop that produces small, dark-colored seeds in pods on bushy plants. It is a nutritious pulse crop rich in protein, fiber, and minerals, commonly used in South Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. The plant fixes nitrogen in soil, making it an excellent rotation crop for sustainable agriculture.
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Example Black Chickpea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Black Chickpea
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Black Chickpea
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 6-9 are optimal; can be grown in zones 5-10 depending on variety and timing
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout in 7-10 days with proper moisture. Seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves) and develop first true leaves.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide full sun exposure. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy structure with compound leaves. Roots deepen and nitrogen-fixing nodules establish on root system. Plant height reaches 16-24 inches.
Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation. Monitor for pests and diseases. No additional nitrogen needed due to nitrogen fixation. Light weeding as needed.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall white, pink, or purple flowers appear in leaf axils. Flowers are self-pollinating and develop into small pods containing 1-2 seeds each.
Maintain consistent moisture during this critical stage. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which promotes foliage over flowers. Ensure bees and pollinators have access.
Pod Development & Maturation
4-6 weeksPods enlarge and harden. Seeds inside mature and change color from green to black. Plant senescence begins as pods ripen.
Reduce watering slightly as pods mature. Monitor for late-season pests. Support plant if lodging occurs. No additional irrigation needed in most climates.
Harvest & Drying
1-2 weeksPods dry completely, becoming brittle. Plant dies back. Seeds rattle inside pods when shaken, indicating full maturity.
Allow plant to dry in field if possible. Harvest when pods are brown and crisp. Dry harvested pods further before threshing.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick affected pods; use pheromone traps; apply neem oil or pyrethrin-based insecticides; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Remove and destroy infested pods; use yellow sticky traps; apply kaolin clay spray; crop rotation with non-legume crops
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; introduce ladybugs and lacewings
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Increase humidity; spray with neem oil or sulfur; remove heavily infested leaves; encourage predatory mites
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Use plant collars around seedlings; apply diatomaceous earth; remove plant debris; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Uses
Protein-rich legume for cooking
CulinaryBlack chickpeas are used in curries, dals, stews, and soups throughout South Asian cuisines. They have a slightly earthier flavor than white chickpeas and require longer cooking times. Can be sprouted, roasted, or ground into flour. [source]
Nutritious flour for baking and cooking
CulinaryGround black chickpea flour (besan) is used to make breads, batters, and traditional sweets. High in protein and minerals, it serves as a gluten-free flour alternative. [source]
Supports digestive and metabolic health
MedicinalChickpeas are high in fiber, supporting digestive health and blood sugar regulation. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine uses chickpeas to support digestive balance and overall wellness. [source]
Soil nitrogen fixation for sustainable farming
HouseholdAs a legume, black chickpea establishes symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, improving soil fertility naturally. Excellent for crop rotation and reducing synthetic fertilizer needs. [source]
Habitat and forage for pollinators and beneficial insects
WildlifeChickpea flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects. Legume crops provide food sources for beneficial insects and improve biodiversity in gardens and farms. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when pods are completely brown and dry, typically 90-140 days after planting. Pull entire plant or cut at soil level. Hang plants upside down in a dry location for 1-2 weeks to fully dry. Thresh by hand or with a mechanical thresher to remove seeds from pods. Store dried seeds in a cool, dry place in sealed containers; they keep for 1+ year.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Black chickpeas (also called Kala Chana) have been cultivated in the Indian subcontinent for over 7,000 years and hold significant cultural importance in South Asian cuisine and agriculture.
- 🌱 A single chickpea plant can produce 40-50 pods, with each pod containing 1-2 seeds, making them highly productive for small garden spaces.
- 🌱 Chickpeas fix atmospheric nitrogen so efficiently that they can enrich soil with 80-200 kg of nitrogen per hectare, reducing the need for commercial fertilizers in subsequent crops.
Gardening Terms
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