How to Grow Chickpeas in Australia


Preparing for Chickpea Planting

Before you start planting your chickpeas, it's essential to make the necessary preparations to ensure successful growth. This section will guide you through the steps of choosing the right chickpea variety, selecting the ideal growing location, and preparing the soil for optimal chickpea cultivation.

You can plant more crops in Australia such as land cress, melon, and bitter melon.

Choosing the Right Chickpea Variety

When it comes to growing chickpeas, selecting the right variety is crucial. Different varieties of chickpeas have unique characteristics in terms of growth habit, yield, and adaptability to specific climates. Consider factors such as the duration of the growing season in your region and the intended use of the chickpeas (whether for drying or for use as green chickpeas). Research different chickpea varieties suitable for your area and choose the one that best meets your requirements.

Selecting the Ideal Growing Location

Chickpeas thrive in well-drained soil and require a sunny location to flourish. Choose a spot in your garden or allotment that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Additionally, ensure that the location is sheltered from strong winds, as excessive wind can damage the delicate chickpea plants. If you live in a region with cooler temperatures, it's advisable to start planting chickpeas after the last frost date to avoid any potential damage to the seedlings.

Preparing the Soil for Chickpeas

Proper soil preparation is vital for the successful growth of chickpeas. Begin by clearing the planting area of any weeds, rocks, or debris that may hinder the growth of the plants. Chickpeas prefer slightly alkaline soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Test your soil's pH and, if necessary, make amendments to adjust it within the desired range. Incorporating well-rotted compost or organic matter into the soil will improve its fertility and drainage, ensuring a healthy growing environment for your chickpeas.

To summarize, choosing the right chickpea variety, selecting an ideal growing location, and preparing the soil are crucial steps in setting the foundation for successful chickpea cultivation. Once you've completed these preparations, you'll be ready to move on to the next stage of planting your chickpeas. Stay tuned for the upcoming section on planting chickpeas for a comprehensive guide on sowing and caring for your chickpea plants.

Planting Chickpeas

To successfully grow chickpeas in Australia, it's important to follow proper planting techniques. This section will guide you through sowing chickpea seeds, providing the right growing conditions, and caring for chickpea seedlings.

Sowing Chickpea Seeds

When it comes to sowing chickpea seeds, timing is crucial. It's best to sow the seeds during the cooler months, between April and June, depending on your specific location in Australia. Before sowing, ensure that the soil temperature is around 10-15°C.

To sow the seeds, create furrows in the soil with a depth of around 5 cm. Space the furrows about 20-25 cm apart to provide adequate room for the plants to grow. Place the chickpea seeds in the furrows, leaving a gap of around 10-15 cm between each seed. Cover the seeds with soil and gently pat it down.

Providing the Right Growing Conditions

Chickpeas thrive in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6 and 7. They require a sunny location to receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Adequate sunlight promotes healthy growth and helps prevent diseases.

It's important to note that chickpeas are generally drought-tolerant, but they do require regular watering during their growing phase. Ensure the soil is kept moist, but not overly saturated. Water the plants deeply once a week, providing enough water to penetrate the root zone.

Caring for Chickpea Seedlings

Once the chickpea seedlings emerge, it's essential to provide them with proper care to ensure healthy growth. Here are a few key tips for caring for chickpea seedlings:

  • Thinning: Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, thin them out by removing the weaker plants, leaving the strongest ones with a spacing of around 15-20 cm between each plant.
  • Weed Control: Regularly inspect the growing area and remove any weeds that may compete with the chickpea plants for nutrients and water. Be careful not to disturb the shallow roots of the chickpeas while weeding.
  • Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the plants can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
  • Support: As the chickpea plants grow taller, they may benefit from some support. Consider using stakes or trellises to prevent the plants from bending or falling over.

By sowing the chickpea seeds at the right time, providing optimal growing conditions, and caring for the seedlings diligently, you'll be on your way to a successful chickpea harvest. Stay tuned for the next section on nurturing chickpea plants, where we will explore watering, fertilizing, and managing weeds and pests to ensure the health and productivity of your chickpea crop.

Nurturing Chickpea Plants

Once your chickpea plants are established, it's essential to provide them with the care they need to thrive. This includes proper watering, fertilising, and managing weeds and pests.

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Watering Chickpeas

Chickpeas require consistent moisture throughout their growing season, especially during flowering and pod development. It's important to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, as excessive water can lead to root rot. Check the soil moisture regularly by inserting your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it's time to water.

When watering, aim to provide a deep watering, ensuring that the water reaches the root zone. Avoid overhead watering, as it can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Instead, use a drip irrigation system or water at the base of the plants.

Fertilising Chickpeas

Chickpeas are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to fertilising. They are capable of fixing their own nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. However, if your soil is nutrient-deficient, you may need to supplement with additional fertiliser.

Before planting, incorporate well-rotted organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, into the soil to improve its fertility. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilisers, as they can promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of pod development.

If necessary, you can apply a balanced organic fertilizer once the plants have reached the flowering stage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency. Be sure to water the plants after fertilising to help the nutrients reach the root zone.

Managing Weeds and Pests

Weeds compete with chickpea plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Regularly inspect your garden beds and remove any weeds that emerge. Mulching around the plants can help suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture.

Chickpeas can attract some pests, such as aphids, cutworms, and leaf miners. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of infestation, such as distorted leaves, holes, or yellowing. If you notice pest activity, consider using organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or applying insecticidal soap.

To prevent fungal diseases, ensure proper air circulation around the plants by spacing them adequately. Avoid overhead watering and water in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before evening.

By providing the right care and attention to your chickpea plants, you can encourage healthy growth and maximise your yield. Remember to water consistently, fertilise as needed, and manage weeds and pests diligently. With proper nurturing, you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of delicious chickpeas to enjoy in a variety of culinary creations.

Harvesting and Storing Chickpeas

Once your chickpea plants have matured and the pods are filled with plump, delicious legumes, it's time to harvest and store your homegrown chickpeas. The process of harvesting and storing chickpeas is relatively straightforward and can be done with a few simple steps.

Signs of Harvest-Ready Chickpeas

To determine if your chickpeas are ready for harvest, keep an eye out for a few key indicators. The most obvious sign is when the pods have turned brown and become dry to the touch. Additionally, you can gently squeeze a few pods to check if the chickpeas inside feel firm and have a starchy texture. If they do, it's a good indication that they are ready to be harvested.

Harvesting Chickpea Pods

To harvest your chickpeas, simply grasp the base of the dried pod and gently twist it until it detaches from the plant. Be careful not to apply too much force, as you don't want to damage the plant or the remaining pods. It's best to harvest the chickpeas in small batches rather than all at once, as this allows you to enjoy a continuous supply of fresh chickpeas.

Drying and Storing Chickpeas

After harvesting, it's important to properly dry and store your chickpeas to ensure their longevity. Start by removing any leaves, debris, or damaged pods from the harvested chickpeas. Then, spread them out in a single layer on a clean, dry surface, such as a tray or a screen.

Allow the chickpeas to air dry in a well-ventilated area for a couple of weeks. During this time, it's important to periodically check the chickpeas for any signs of mould or moisture. If you notice any, remove those particular chickpeas to prevent spoilage.

Once the chickpeas are thoroughly dried, transfer them to airtight containers, such as glass jars or sealed bags. Store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Properly stored chickpeas can typically last for up to a year.

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