How to Grow CDC Cam Chickpea
Wikimedia Commons
CDC Cam Chickpea
Cicer arietinum
vegetableCDC Cam is a kabuli-type chickpea cultivar developed by the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. This cold-tolerant variety produces large, cream-colored seeds in a compact plant ideal for short-season growing regions. It's grown primarily as a pulse crop for dry bean production rather than fresh harvesting.
When should you plant CDC Cam Chickpea in your zone?
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Example CDC Cam Chickpea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant CDC Cam 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 Cam Chickpea
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact CDC Cam Chickpea dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-5, particularly suited to cool, short-season climates like the Canadian prairies and northern US regions
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Get my CDC Cam Chickpea timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysSmall compound leaves emerge with cotyledons still visible. Plant stands 2-4 inches tall.
Ensure adequate soil moisture for germination. Thin seedlings if direct seeded. Apply rhizobium inoculant to seeds at planting. Monitor for damping-off disease.
Vegetative Growth
25-35 daysBush grows 12-18 inches tall with compound pinnate leaves. Plant becomes bushy and compact. No flowering yet.
Maintain consistent moisture and weed control. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer as it inhibits nodulation. Monitor for early pest damage.
Flowering & Pod Formation
30-40 daysSmall white or light purple flowers appear on the plant. Flowers transition to developing pods containing developing seeds.
Ensure adequate water availability during this critical stage. Support nodule development by maintaining inoculant effectiveness. Watch for spider mites and aphids.
Seed Development & Maturation
25-30 daysPods swell with developing chickpea seeds inside. Plant begins to yellow and dry down. Pods mature from green to tan/brown.
Gradually reduce watering as pods mature. Monitor seed fill and pod ripeness. Control late-season pest pressure.
Harvest Ready
Variable, typically late August-September in northern regionsPlants are largely desiccated and brown. Pods are brittle and rattle when shaken. Leaves have mostly dropped.
Wait for soil to dry sufficiently to reduce shattering loss during harvest. Pull or combine when moisture content is 12-15%. Store in cool, dry conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor closely in warmer regions. Use pheromone traps. Hand-pick affected pods. Bt spray if infestation is severe.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap for heavy infestations. Encourage natural predators.
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Maintain adequate moisture as stress increases mite damage. Miticide spray if populations exceed threshold. Encourage beneficial predatory mites.
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Use disease-resistant varieties like CDC Cam. Avoid overhead irrigation. Ensure good air circulation. Remove infected plant material. Fungicide application in severe cases.
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Ensure excellent drainage. Practice crop rotation. Avoid waterlogging. Use pathogen-free seed.
Uses
Hummus & Dal Production
CulinaryCDC Cam chickpeas are excellent for making hummus, dal, and roasted chickpea snacks. The large, uniform seed size and creamy texture when cooked make this variety particularly suited to commercial food production and traditional chickpea dishes. [source]
Nutritional Protein Source
CulinaryHigh in plant-based protein (approximately 19-22% by weight), fiber, and minerals including iron and manganese. Serves as an excellent meat alternative for vegetarian and vegan diets. [source]
Sustainable Agriculture & Nitrogen Fixation
HouseholdLike all chickpeas, CDC Cam forms symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing fertilizer requirements and improving soil health for subsequent crops. Valuable in sustainable farming systems. [source]
Digestive Health & Prebiotic Fiber
MedicinalRich in resistant starch and soluble fiber that act as prebiotics to support beneficial gut bacteria. Traditional use in Ayurvedic and Mediterranean medicine for digestive support. [source]
Pollinator Support & Beneficial Insects
WildlifeSmall flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Chickpea crops provide habitat and food sources for native bees and other beneficial arthropods during mid-to-late summer. [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 plants are fully mature and desiccated, typically 90-110 days after planting. Pull entire plants or use a combine harvester. Lay plants on tarp to dry for 1-2 weeks until seeds reach 10-12% moisture content. Shell or thresh to separate seeds from pods. Store in cool (50-60°F), dry (under 10% moisture) conditions in sealed containers to prevent insect damage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 CDC Cam was specifically bred for early maturity and cold tolerance, making it one of the northernmost-adapted chickpea varieties in the world and a staple in Western Canadian agriculture.
- 🌱 Chickpeas have been cultivated for over 7,500 years, with archaeological evidence from the Fertile Crescent, making them one of humanity's oldest cultivated crops.
- 🌱 The variety name 'CDC Cam' references the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan and 'Cam' as a shortened reference to its development location in the Canadian agricultural landscape.
Gardening Terms
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