Chick Pea
Cicer arietinumfam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 65AB — Cicer arietinum
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IOverview
Overview
Chick Pea, scientifically known as Cicer arietinum, is an annual plant native to the region of Iran and Iraq. It thrives in full sun and can adapt to both dry and moist conditions, making it versatile for various environments. The chick pea grows up to 0.6 meters tall and prefers light or sandy soil with medium moisture levels. This legume is valued not only for its edible seeds but also for its leaves and shoots, which are often consumed as well. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting other plants grown nearby.
Quick answers
What is Chick Pea?
Chick Pea, scientifically known as Cicer arietinum, is an annual plant native to the region of Iran and Iraq. It thrives in full sun and can adapt to both dry and moist conditions, making it versatile for various environments. The chick pea grows up to 0.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chick Pea thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium-textured. It can tolerate dry conditions but benefits from moist soil during the growing season. The plant reaches a height of about 0.6 meters and is an annual, producing edible parts such as leaves, seeds, seedpods, and shoots. Chick Pea is hardy in temperate regions and should be propagated by direct sowing or from seeds.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.6 m tall
- Seed viability
- 3-5 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Chick Pea for the first time
7steps
Start with chick peas for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct planting area, garden tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Containers should be at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant seeds 2-3 cm deep, spaced 15-20 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist until germination. Thin seedlings to the recommended spacing.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when dry but avoid overwatering. Provide support for tall plants with stakes or trellises.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead leaves and stems to encourage new growth and prevent disease spread.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedSeedpodShoots
Edible uses: Coffee, Drink
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 28 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 28 introducedDistribution across5 continents· 2 native· 28 introduced
Europe4 regions
introduced (4)PortugalRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia7 regions
native (2)IranIraq
introduced (5)BangladeshChinaIndiaMyanmarNepal
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Dominican Republic
Africa4 regions
introduced (4)AngolaEthiopiaMauritaniaMauritius
Oceania2 regions
introduced (2)FijiNauru
Broader regions
introduced:Andaman Is., Baltic States, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Jawa, Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Maryland, Mexico Southwest, New Guinea
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 65ab575b-2104-48a8-8c08-26dc9b8f613b
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