How to Grow Chickpeas: A Beginner’s Guide
9 March 2026
Why Grow Chickpeas at Home?
What’s not to love about chickpeas?
As a very nutrient-dense legume that is rich in protein, fibre, iron and folate, chickpeas bring a lot to the table, literally. They also help improve soil fertility, needing less nitrogen fertilizer to grow, so it’s only natural to wonder how you can grow them yourself.
Our vegan dietitians have helped put together this comprehensive guide about chickpeas, the plant, and how you can grow them under the right climate.
Understanding the Chickpea Plant
Before getting into how to grow chickpeas, here are some important facts to consider:
- Chickpeas are a warm-season annual legume
- Most take over 90-100 days to mature
- They thrive most in warm and relatively dry environments
How to Plant Chickpeas Step by Step
Choosing Seeds
The seeds you pick matter, and, unfortunately, though it would be easier, grocery-store beans are not as effective as seeds intended for planting. This is because they could have been treated or have a lower germination rate.
Soil Preparation
Here is how you can best prepare your soil to create good chickpea growing conditions:
- The best soil is well-drained, sandy, or loamy
- Opt for a pH of 6.0-7.0
Planting Instructions
To plant your chickpeas, timing and distance matter:
- When: Chickpeas should be sown directly outside after the last frost.
How: Space the seeds 3-6 inches apart, in rows that have 18 inches of separation.
Growing Conditions for Healthy Chickpeas
Sunlight
- Chickpeas thrive best when they have access to full sunlight.
Watering
- Avoid waterlogging or overloading on water, moderate amounts is all you need.
Temperature
The nest temperatures to support chickpea growth is around 70–80°F or 21–27°C.
Caring for Chickpea Plants
Fertilizing Needs
- Because chickpeas already naturally fix nitrogen, you actually need less fertilizer!
Weeding and Mulching
- It’s best to keep your soil weed-free to optimize the growth of your chickpeas.
Pests and Diseases
Unfortunately, there are a few common issues you may stumble on, these include aphids and fungal diseases if the conditions are wet.
Harvesting Chickpeas
- Green chickpeas can be fresh or dried to help store them.
- You can tell a chickpea pod is ready when it is brown and dry.
- When you harvest, take the entire plant and let the pods fully dry.
Tips for Growing Chickpeas in Containers
- Make sure you use a deep pot (aim for more than 12 inches)
- The pot should have good drainage to avoid conditions that are too wet for the chickpeas
- Keep it simple: Provide the same sunlight and water as you would outdoor plants.
Chickpea Recipes
As vegan dietitians, it would feel wrong to end this guide with no way to use your new chickpeas. Here are some of our own favorite recipes to help provide some inspiration:
The Bottom Line
Chickpeas can be an amazing addition to your garden. Not only are they sustainable, but they help being a versatile, high protein legume you can bring into the home. Also did we mention, they are beginner friendly, meaning you don’t need extensive experience, just enough care and attention for these protein-packed legumes! The key is sunlight, just enough water, the right soil, and your golden.
