How to Grow Black Chickpea Pusa 372
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Black Chickpea Pusa 372
Cicer arietinum
vegetablePusa 372 is a high-yielding black chickpea (kala chana) variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. It is a short-duration legume crop that produces small, dark seeds rich in protein and widely used in South Asian cuisine. This variety is known for its early maturity and resistance to certain diseases.
When should you plant Black Chickpea Pusa 372 in your zone?
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Example Black Chickpea Pusa 372 timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Black Chickpea Pusa 372
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 Pusa 372
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Chickpea Pusa 372 dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best suited to warm tropical and subtropical regions (zones 9b-11); can be grown as a winter crop in zones 8-10
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Get my Black Chickpea Pusa 372 timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate in 7-10 days; seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves appear within 2-3 weeks.
Ensure adequate soil moisture without waterlogging. Apply rhizobial inoculant at sowing for better nitrogen fixation. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops compound pinnate leaves and bushy structure. Height reaches 30-40 cm. Root nodulation occurs.
Monitor for early pest infestation. Light weeding at 30-40 days after sowing. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer as it's a legume.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white, pink, or purple flowers appear in leaf axils at 50-65 days. Plant is at peak growth.
Maintain consistent soil moisture during this critical stage. Avoid water stress to prevent flower drop. Scout for pod borer insects.
Pod Development & Filling
3-4 weeksFlowers develop into small, 1-seeded pods containing immature seeds. Pods gradually fill and mature.
Reduce watering frequency slightly. Watch for pod borers and other pests. Do not apply excess irrigation as it promotes vegetative growth.
Maturity & Harvest
2-3 weeksPods turn brown and seeds darken to black. Plant dries down, leaves may drop. Seeds become hard and fully mature.
Allow plants to dry completely in field. Check seed moisture content (reduce to 10-12% for storage). Harvest when 80-90% of pods are brown.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Scout regularly; use pheromone traps; spray neem oil or cypermethrin during flowering; encourage natural predators like parasitoid wasps
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Dust with ash; spray neem oil; remove affected leaves; plant early to avoid peak pest pressure
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Use sealed storage containers; apply diatomaceous earth; maintain proper moisture during storage; use neem powder
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Spray water forcefully; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; introduce ladybugs
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Use disease-resistant seeds; practice crop rotation; avoid waterlogging; remove infected plants promptly
Uses
Dal and Traditional Dishes
CulinaryBlack chickpea (kala chana) is a staple protein source in Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisines, commonly prepared as dal, curries, or roasted as snacks. The seeds are high in protein (approximately 20-22%) and rich in essential amino acids. [source]
Sprouting and Fresh Consumption
CulinaryBlack chickpea seeds sprout readily and are consumed as nutritious fresh sprouts in salads and cooked dishes. Sprouting increases bioavailability of minerals and reduces anti-nutritional factors. [source]
Nutritional & Digestive Health
MedicinalBlack chickpea is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for strengthening digestion, reducing inflammation, and improving general wellness. Rich in fiber, it supports digestive health and blood sugar regulation. [source]
Flour and Baking
CulinaryBlack chickpea flour (kala chana flour) is used to make traditional Indian snacks, pakoras, and baked goods, providing a nutty flavor and high protein content. [source]
Soil Improvement
HouseholdAs a legume, black chickpea forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules, naturally enriching soil with nitrogen and improving soil fertility for subsequent crops in rotation systems. [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 80-90% of pods turn brown (typically 100-120 days after sowing). Cut or pull entire plants and lay them in sun to dry for 3-5 days. Thresh by beating dried plants to extract seeds. Store in a cool, dry place at 10-12% moisture content in sealed containers to prevent insect infestation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pusa 372 was developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (now Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and is specifically adapted for short-season cultivation in semi-arid regions.
- 🌱 Black chickpea seeds are smaller (3-4 mm) and more compact than white chickpea varieties, making them ideal for high-density planting and mechanical harvesting.
- 🌱 In traditional medicine systems, black chickpea is believed to have warming properties and is often consumed roasted as a winter snack in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
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