How to Grow ICPL 87 Pigeonpea
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ICPL 87 Pigeonpea
Cajanus cajan
vegetableICPL 87 is a high-yielding pigeonpea (arhar/tur) variety developed by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). It is a dual-purpose legume crop valued for dried pulses and as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop. This variety is particularly suited to rainfed agriculture in tropical and subtropical regions.
When should you plant ICPL 87 Pigeonpea in your zone?
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Example ICPL 87 Pigeonpea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant ICPL 87 Pigeonpea
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 ICPL 87 Pigeonpea
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11 (tropical and subtropical regions); grows best in warm climates with monsoon rainfall patterns
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Get my ICPL 87 Pigeonpea timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeed germinates in 7-10 days; seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves
Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Thin seedlings if direct sown. Provide shelter from strong winds. Monitor for damping-off disease.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksPlant develops multiple branches and compound leaves; vigorous shoot and root system development
Apply farmyard manure at 4-6 weeks. Maintain weed-free conditions through hand weeding or mulching. Ensure adequate spacing to prevent competition. Monitor for pest infestations.
Flowering
4-6 weeksPlant produces clusters of small yellow or pink flowers on terminal panicles; flowering initiates pod formation
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer if applied earlier. Maintain consistent moisture during flowering. Avoid irrigation stress. Flowering is photoperiod-sensitive; occurs with decreasing day length.
Pod Development & Maturation
8-10 weeksPods develop and fill with seeds; pods turn brown/reddish as they mature and dry
Reduce watering frequency as pods mature. Protect from heavy rainfall which can cause pod shattering. Monitor for pod-boring insects. Avoid high nitrogen applications.
Harvest Maturity
Until harvest readinessPods fully mature and dry; seeds rattle inside pods when shaken; plant senescence begins
Monitor for complete pod maturity before harvest. Can harvest when 90% of pods are brown and dry. Avoid harvesting after rain which can cause pod shattering and mold.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Install yellow sticky traps; use neem oil spray; remove infested pods; practice crop rotation; avoid overhead irrigation
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Hand-pick infested pods; spray with neem or NSKE (0.5%) at pod-fill stage; early harvesting of mature pods
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Remove infested leaves; spray with spinosad or pyrethrin; maintain plant vigor; intercropping reduces incidence
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Reflective mulches; yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators
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Dust with sulfur; spray with miticide if severe; maintain plant health and adequate soil moisture
Uses
Dried pulse and dal preparation
CulinaryICPL 87 seeds are split and used to prepare dal, a staple protein-rich dish in Indian, Southeast Asian, and African cuisines. High nutritional value with 20-25% protein content and essential amino acids. [source]
Green vegetable and snacks
CulinaryYoung green pods can be harvested immature and consumed as a vegetable; mature seeds used for flour, curries, and traditional snacks. Rich in dietary fiber. [source]
Traditional medicine and health benefits
MedicinalUsed in Ayurvedic and traditional African medicine for digestive health, diuretic properties, and anti-inflammatory effects. Seeds contain antioxidants and phytonutrients. [source]
Nitrogen fixation and soil improvement
HouseholdAs a legume, ICPL 87 forms nodules with Rhizobium bacteria and fixes atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil fertility. Used as a green manure crop or in crop rotation systems. [source]
Livestock fodder and cover crop
WildlifeDried plants and leaves provide nutritious fodder for cattle, goats, and sheep. Green parts used as a cover crop and erosion control in agroforestry 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 90-95% of pods are brown and dry, typically 200-250 days after sowing. Cut pods by hand or use a sickle to cut entire plants at ground level. Spread harvested plants in sun for 4-5 days to allow further drying. Thresh dried pods to separate seeds. Store seeds in cool, dry conditions (10-12% moisture). Yield typically 1.5-2.5 tons/hectare of dried pulses.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 ICPL 87 was specifically bred by ICRISAT to combine high yield, disease resistance, and short growth duration, making it one of the most widely adopted pigeonpea varieties in India and Africa.
- 🌱 Pigeonpeas can live for 3-5 years as perennial plants in tropical climates, allowing for multiple harvests, though they are often grown as annuals in commercial cultivation.
- 🌱 The name 'pigeonpea' may derive from the fact that pigeons readily eat the seeds, or from the plant's use as feed for raising pigeons in colonial times.
Gardening Terms
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