How to Grow CDC Haymaker
CDC Haymaker
Cicer arietinum
vegetableCDC Haymaker is a kabuli chickpea variety developed by the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan, specifically bred for Canadian growing conditions. It produces large, cream-colored seeds in nutritious legume pods and improves soil nitrogen through nitrogen fixation. This cultivar is known for excellent yield potential and disease resistance in cool climates.
When should you plant CDC Haymaker in your zone?
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Example CDC Haymaker timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant CDC Haymaker
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 Haymaker
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact CDC Haymaker dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2b-5b, particularly well-suited to Prairie provinces and northern North American growing regions
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Get my CDC Haymaker timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysSeeds germinate in 7-10 days with cool soil. Seedlings emerge with cotyledons and develop first true leaves.
Ensure soil temperature is 50°F+ for germination. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Soil inoculant should be applied at or before planting. Keep soil moderately moist.
Vegetative Growth
25-35 daysPlant develops bushy growth with compound leaves. Nitrogen-fixing nodules form on roots. Plant reaches 16-20 inches tall.
Monitor for weeds and control early (first 6 weeks are critical). Do not over-fertilize nitrogen as this reduces nodulation. Provide consistent moisture. Light cultivation may help control weeds.
Flowering
20-30 daysSmall white, pink, or purple flowers appear in leaf axils. Flowers are self-pollinating. Pod set begins.
Maintain consistent watering during this critical stage. Avoid excess nitrogen. Scout for Ascochyta blight and other fungal diseases. Ensure adequate potassium.
Pod Development & Maturation
30-40 daysPods develop from flowers and fill with seeds. Pod color transitions from green to tan/beige. Seeds inside reach full size and harden.
Reduce watering as plants approach maturity. Watch for lodging in windy conditions. Monitor for Ascochyta blight and anthracnose. Harvest when pods are dry and seeds rattle inside.
Harvest & Dry-Down
10-14 daysPlants senesce, leaves drop. Pods become brittle and tan-colored. Seeds are hard and ready for threshing.
Allow full field dry-down before harvest when possible (moisture content 10-12%). Thresh mechanically or hand-harvest. Store in cool, dry conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use disease-resistant varieties; practice crop rotation (3-year minimum); remove infected plant material; apply fungicides if severe; ensure good air circulation
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Rotate crops; use resistant varieties; apply fungicides during wet periods; avoid overhead irrigation; remove debris
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Store seed at low temperature (below 50°F); use sealed containers with oxygen absorbers; inspect seed before storage; apply food-grade diatomaceous earth
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Remove debris from field margins; use collars around seedlings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); allow natural predators
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Scout regularly; remove weeds that harbor larvae; apply Bt if populations are high; encourage natural predators
Uses
Protein-rich grain legume for cooking
CulinaryCDC Haymaker chickpeas are excellent for dry cooking, making hummus, curries, roasts, and flour. They provide complete amino acids when combined with grains and are a staple plant-based protein source. [source]
Chickpea flour and baking
CulinaryDried chickpeas can be ground into nutrient-dense flour for gluten-free baking, fritters, and other traditional dishes. The flour has excellent nutritional profile with high protein and fiber content. [source]
Soil nitrogen enrichment through crop rotation
HouseholdAs a nitrogen-fixing legume, CDC Haymaker improves soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers in subsequent crops, supporting sustainable agriculture practices. [source]
High-fiber food for digestive health
MedicinalChickpeas are rich in dietary fiber and resistant starch, supporting healthy digestion, blood sugar control, and prebiotic activity that promotes beneficial gut bacteria. [source]
Forage crop and livestock feed
WildlifeCDC Haymaker provides nutritious forage for livestock and can improve pasture quality when grown in rotation. The plant biomass is also valuable as hay for animal feed. [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 dry and brittle, typically 90-110 days after planting. Pod color should be tan/beige and seeds should rattle inside. For mechanical harvest, use a combine with proper settings to minimize seed damage. For hand harvest, pull entire plants and dry further on tarps, then thresh. Store dry seeds (10-12% moisture) in cool, dry conditions in sealed containers to prevent pest damage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 CDC Haymaker was specifically developed for short-season regions and can mature in as little as 85-90 days under ideal conditions, making it one of the fastest-maturing kabuli varieties.
- 🌱 Chickpeas are one of the oldest cultivated crops, with evidence of cultivation dating back over 9,000 years, and CDC Haymaker represents cutting-edge breeding combining ancient genetics with modern cold-climate adaptation.
- 🌱 As a legume, each CDC Haymaker plant forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules, essentially creating a biological fertilizer factory that can add 100-200 pounds of nitrogen per acre to the soil.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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