How to Grow CDC Amarillo Chickpea
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CDC Amarillo Chickpea
Cicer arietinum
vegetableCDC Amarillo is a kabuli (large-seeded) chickpea variety developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, prized for its large, cream-colored seeds and excellent cooking qualities. This cold-hardy legume is specifically bred for northern climates and short growing seasons. It's a bushy annual that fixes nitrogen in soil while producing nutritious protein-rich seeds.
When should you plant CDC Amarillo Chickpea in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example CDC Amarillo Chickpea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant CDC Amarillo 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 CDC Amarillo Chickpea
Around Jul 11≈ 85 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact CDC Amarillo Chickpea dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-6, particularly suited to Canada's prairie provinces and northern U.S. growing regions
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Get my CDC Amarillo Chickpea timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysEmerging cotyledons with small compound leaves; plant grows upright from soil
Ensure adequate soil moisture for germination. Thin seedlings if planted densely. Protect from birds.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksBushy plant with multiple branches, feathery pinnate foliage, reaching 16-20 inches tall; no flowers yet
Monitor for early pests. Ensure consistent moisture. No additional fertilizer needed due to nitrogen fixation.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall, delicate white or light pink flowers appear in leaf axils; flowers are self-pollinating
Maintain adequate soil moisture during this critical stage. Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes vegetative growth over flowering.
Pod Development & Maturation
3-4 weeksSmall round pods form at flower sites, initially green, gradually turning tan or brown as seeds mature inside
Reduce watering as pods mature. Watch for pod borers and other pests. Plant should appear increasingly dry.
Harvest Ready
Ready to harvestPods are completely brown and papery; seeds inside are hard and cream-colored; plant is largely desiccated
Allow complete drying in field if weather permits. Harvest when pods rattle when shaken. Thresh seeds from pods after drying.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor plants during pod development. Remove affected pods. In severe cases, use insecticidal sprays approved for pulses.
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Use disease-resistant varieties like CDC Amarillo. Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Remove infected plant material.
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Inspect stored seeds regularly. Store in cool, dry conditions. Use food-grade diatomaceous earth if infestation occurs.
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Monitor early growth. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if populations build. Most damage occurs early; later plants are robust.
Uses
Flour and Protein Ingredient
CulinaryCDC Amarillo seeds are ground into chickpea flour (besan) used in baking, cooking, and as a gluten-free protein supplement. The seeds cook into tender, creamy chickpeas ideal for hummus, curries, salads, and roasted snacks. [source]
Traditional & Global Cuisine
CulinaryA staple in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cooking. Used to make dal, falafel, chana masala, and countless traditional dishes across cultures. [source]
Soil Amendment & Nitrogen Fixation
HouseholdAs a legume, CDC Amarillo enriches soil with nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with rhizobia bacteria, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers in subsequent crops. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalHigh in protein (19%), fiber, folate, iron, and polyphenols with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Supports digestive health and blood sugar regulation. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeDelicate flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations during the growing season. [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 papery, typically 85-110 days after planting. Pods should rattle when shaken. Either pull entire plants and dry in bundles indoors, or cut plants and thresh seeds on a tarp or combine harvester. Dry seeds to 10-12% moisture for storage. Store in cool, dry conditions away from moisture and pests.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 CDC Amarillo was specifically developed by Canadian agricultural scientists to thrive in short, cool growing seasons—it's one of the few chickpea varieties that can reliably mature in zones 2-3.
- 🌱 Chickpeas have been cultivated for over 7,000 years and are one of the oldest cultivated crops, originating in the Fertile Crescent.
- 🌱 The name 'chickpea' likely comes from the Latin 'cicer,' while 'amarillo' means 'yellow' in Spanish, reflecting the variety's light cream coloring.
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