Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a widely cultivated legume. The total time required from planting to harvestable dry seed typically falls within a range of 90 to 120 days, but this duration is highly dependent on environmental conditions and the specific variety planted.
The Chickpea Life Cycle Timeline
The journey from a planted seed to a mature chickpea involves four distinct phases. Following planting, the seed undergoes hypogeal germination, where the cotyledons remain below the soil surface as the shoot emerges. Under good conditions, this emergence phase can take as little as seven days, though it may extend up to 30 days in cooler soil.
Once emerged, the plant enters the vegetative stage, focusing on developing its root system and foliage. During this period, the seedling produces a new node, or leaf set, approximately every three to four days. The plant continues to grow new leaves even after flowering begins.
The reproductive stage begins about 50 to 55 days after seeding, generally at the 13th or 14th node stage. The plant begins to flower and set small, inflated pods, which usually contain one or two seeds. This flowering process is continuous, meaning the plant will keep producing new flowers and pods until a stressor, such as heat, drought, or frost, signals the final maturation stage.
The total time to reach the final maturation stage varies significantly between the two main types: Desi and Kabuli. The Desi type, which has smaller, angular seeds, typically matures earlier, requiring around 110 days. The larger Kabuli varieties usually mature in 110 to 120 days, and can take longer in a cool or wet season.
Essential Conditions for Optimal Growth
Achieving the expected maturity timeline requires specific environmental conditions. Chickpeas thrive best in cool-season conditions, preferring daytime temperatures between 70 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures between 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 98 degrees Fahrenheit during the critical flowering and pod-development stages can induce stress, leading to flower drop and reduced yields.
Soil composition and pH play a significant role in maintaining a healthy growth rate. The plant requires well-drained soil, as it does not tolerate wet or waterlogged conditions, which can inhibit root development. An optimal soil pH for nutrient uptake and healthy growth is generally in the neutral to slightly alkaline range, between 6.0 and 7.5.
While chickpeas exhibit drought tolerance, consistent moisture is necessary, especially during the flowering and pod-filling phases. Lack of water at this time can prematurely trigger the plant’s final dry-down phase, resulting in smaller seeds. The plants require full sun exposure throughout the day to support the metabolic activity needed for rapid growth and seed production.
Recognizing and Collecting the Harvest
The end of the growth cycle is marked by several visual indicators that signal the time for harvest has arrived. For dried chickpeas, the main sign of maturity is the complete yellowing of the plant and the shedding of most of its foliage. Growers should look for 80 to 90 percent of the original leaves to have dropped.
The pods will transition from green to a yellow or brown color, becoming dry and brittle to the touch. Though the top portion of the plant may still show some slight green color, the seed moisture content is the most reliable final measure. Harvesting should ideally begin when the seed moisture is around 18 percent.
For home growers, the traditional method involves pulling the entire plant once the leaves have withered and dried. The plants are then placed on a flat, dry surface in a warm, well-ventilated area for a final curing. This post-harvest drying period allows the remaining moisture to leave the seeds and often encourages the pods to split naturally.
Once the seeds are removed from the pods, they are considered sufficiently dry for long-term storage when their moisture content is 14 percent or less. A simple test is to ensure the seeds are hard and barely dent when bitten. Storing the dried chickpeas in a cool, low-humidity environment maintains viability and quality.