Lyla Lindsey
Chickpeas, or Cicer arietinum, are a hardy crop that can be grown in Australia. They are well-suited to grey self-mulching clays, full sun, and moist, well-drained soil. They have been grown commercially in Australia since the 1970s and are now an important crop in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. Chickpeas are susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to allow a minimum of four years between crops in the same paddock and to manage the soil and temperature to prevent issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil temperature for germination | 10-15°C |
| Soil type | Well-drained, moist, enriched with organic matter |
| Sunlight | Full sun, 6+ hours daily |
| Watering | Deeply in early morning or late afternoon; avoid watering leaves |
| Fertiliser | Balanced or fruit/vegetable fertiliser |
| Crop rotation | Minimum 3-4 years between chickpea crops in the same paddock |
| Common pests | Cowpea aphid, Lucerne flea, Native budworm |
| Common diseases | Ascochyta blight, Botrytis grey mould |
| Regions | NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia |
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What You'll Learn
Soil preparation: moist, well-drained soil with organic matter
Chickpeas thrive in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil by weeding thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until you are ready to plant.
To test if your chickpea plants need watering, scratch away a little soil with your finger to check if the soil is dry about 5 cm below the surface. If so, water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of the plants to prevent fungal diseases.
If your soil is well-prepared, no extra fertiliser should be necessary. However, in poor soil or to give your plants a boost, you can apply a balanced fertiliser or one formulated for fruit and vegetables. Apply slow-release fertiliser at the recommended rate when transplanting or when seedlings are 5-10 cm tall. You can also apply liquid fertiliser at the recommended rate and frequency while plants are fruiting or flowering.
Chickpeas are poor competitors with weeds during their slow early growth stage, so it is important to implement good broad-leaf weed control in the previous year's crop. Once established, they are excellent at suppressing weeds, as well as diseases and pests. Allow a minimum of four years between chickpea crops in the same area to minimise the risk of ascochyta blight and root lesion nematode problems.
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Germination: sow seeds at 10-15°C for 7-30 day germination
Chickpeas are hardy plants that can survive frost and cold weather. However, they are sensitive to temperature during the germination process. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 10–15°C, with germination taking between 7 and 30 days. Germination may occur outside this temperature range, but at decreased rates. Alternatively, seeds may lie dormant in the soil until the ideal temperature is met.
To achieve the best results, start seeds off in trays or containers, then transplant them once they are established and large enough to handle (around 5–10 cm tall).
Chickpeas prefer warmer growing conditions. Average temperatures below 15°C will reduce pollen viability and can cause flower drop, while average temperatures over 35°C will lower the yield and may cause flower abortion. Frosts during flowering can also cause flowers to drop.
Chickpeas should be grown in a location that receives at least six hours of full sun each day. They require well-drained soil that is enriched with organic matter. Prepare the soil by weeding thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding aged animal manure or compost.
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Watering: water when soil is dry 5cm below the surface
Chickpeas are hardy plants that can survive frost and cold weather. However, they are sensitive to moisture stress, which can make them susceptible to aphid infestation. To avoid this, it is important to water your chickpea plants when the soil is dry about 5 cm below the surface. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you determine when to water your chickpea plants:
- Check the soil moisture: Use your finger to scratch away a little soil at a depth of approximately 5 cm. This will help you determine if the soil is dry underneath the surface.
- Water deeply: Once you have determined that the soil is dry at that depth, it's time to water your chickpea plants. Water them deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
- Watering frequency: The frequency of watering will depend on various factors, including weather conditions, soil type, and the stage of plant growth. During hot weather, chickpeas will require more frequent watering to keep the soil moist but well-drained.
- Soil preparation: Before planting chickpeas, it is essential to prepare the soil properly. This includes weeding, digging to loosen the soil, and adding aged animal manure or compost. Well-prepared soil can help retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.
- Crop rotation: Chickpeas are sensitive to moisture stress and susceptible to pests and diseases. By practicing crop rotation and allowing a minimum of four years between chickpea crops in the same paddock, you can reduce the risk of pest and disease infestations and improve soil health.
- Weed control: Chickpeas are poor competitors with weeds during their slow early growth stage. Therefore, it is crucial to implement good broad-leaf weed control before planting and during the initial growth stage. This will help reduce moisture competition and ensure that your chickpea plants have access to sufficient water.
By following these steps and paying close attention to the moisture levels of the soil, you can effectively water your chickpea plants and promote their healthy growth. Remember to adjust your watering frequency based on seasonal changes and weather conditions to ensure your chickpea plants thrive.
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Sunlight: plant in full sun, 6+ hours a day
Chickpeas require full sun and at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 10-15°C, though germination may occur outside this window at decreased rates. Seeds may even lie dormant until the ideal temperature is met.
Chickpeas are hardy plants that can survive frost and cold weather. However, young plants are still sensitive to cold weather until they are established. In general, average temperatures below 15°C will reduce pollen viability and cause flower drop, while average temperatures over 35°C will lower yield and may cause flower abortion. Frosts during flowering can also cause flower drop. Therefore, timing is critical for high-yield harvests.
To ensure your chickpea plants receive enough sunlight, choose a location that receives full sun and prepare the soil by weeding thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds before planting. During the growing season, water your chickpea plants when the soil is dry about 5 cm below the surface. Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon, and avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
In addition to sunlight, chickpeas require well-drained soil and are poor competitors with weeds during their slow early growth stage. Therefore, it is recommended to implement good broad-leaf weed control in the previous year's crop. Once established, chickpeas become excellent break crops from diseases, weeds, and pests.
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Crop rotation: allow 3-4 years between chickpea crops
Crop rotation is an important practice for any farmer or gardener to consider. For chickpeas, it is recommended that you allow a minimum of 3-4 years between crops in the same plot of land. This is to reduce the risk of ascochyta blight and root lesion nematode problems.
Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei) is a serious issue for chickpea crops, causing black lesions on the stem and wilting plants. It is a particular problem in Australia. Root lesion nematodes are tiny worms that feed on the roots of plants, causing damage and reducing crop yield. By allowing several years between chickpea crops, you can help to minimise the build-up of these pests and diseases in the soil, giving your plants a healthier start.
Crop rotation also allows for better soil nutrition management. Chickpeas are susceptible to moisture stress, which can be managed through good soil preparation. By rotating crops, you can ensure that the soil is adequately prepared for chickpeas, with enough organic matter and proper drainage. This will also help to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, which thrive in poorly drained soil.
In addition, chickpeas are poor competitors with weeds during their slow early growth stage. By rotating your crops, you can implement good broad-leaf weed control in the previous year, ensuring that your chickpeas have a better chance to establish themselves. This will also help to reduce the risk of pest infestations, as many pests are attracted to weeds.
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Frequently asked questions
Chickpeas need full sun (at least 6 hours a day) and well-drained, moist soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 10-15°C, and the average temperature should be between 15°C and 35°C to prevent flower drop.
Water your chickpeas when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface. Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
It is recommended to leave at least 3-4 years between chickpea crops in the same location to minimise the risk of ascochyta blight and root lesion nematode problems.
Chickpeas are susceptible to cowpea aphids, lucerne flea, native budworm, ascochyta blight, and botrytis grey mould.
