Name: 'Black Kabouli' chickpea Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

open-pollinated heirloom seeds Fabaceae

Gaia

Cicer arietinum

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameBlack Kabouli chickpea; Black Kabouli garbanzo; black chickpea

FamilyFabaceae

GenusCicer

Speciesarietinum

CultivarBlack Kabouli

Typeopen-pollinated heirloom seeds

Botanical nameCicer arietinum

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 25 seeds

'Black Kabouli' chickpea Seeds (Cicer arietinum). This heirloom produces large dark seeds and thrives in cooler weather, while established plants tolerate dry periods. Fully cooked black chickpeas bring firm texture to stews, curries, soups, and salads. Annual bushy plants reach approximately 2 to 3 feet high and attract pollinators while flowering. Each Gaia packet contains approximately 25 organic seeds; it does not claim organic certification. The variety is open-pollinated. Kew recognizes Cicer arietinum as an accepted species in the Fabaceae family. Dark seed colour makes the dry harvest especially distinctive and easy to identify. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Do not soak seed before sowing because it may crack. Direct sow 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost once soil is above 7°C. Place seeds 1 to 2 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart, with 18 to 24 inches between rows. A temperature of 15 to 25°C, preferably around 21°C, supports germination in 7 to 14 days. Grow in average loose well-drained soil. Avoid nitrogen-rich ground, which promotes foliage at the expense of pods. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry and reduce favourable conditions for fungal disease. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated.

The crop requires approximately 100 days. For fresh green chickpeas, pick pods while small and green, shell them, and cook the seeds completely. For a dry harvest, let pods turn brown and dry on the plants. Pull the plants and hang them upside down in a dry ventilated location until thoroughly dry. Shell, sort, and store the seed in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to one year. Fresh green pods can remain refrigerated for up to one week. Do not eat fibrous pods or undercooked chickpeas. Keep seed intended for planting clearly labelled and separate from the culinary harvest.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Annual
Hardiness: Cool-season annual sown before the last frost when the soil temperature is above 7°C

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

25 to 51 mm (1 to 2 in), direct sown

Spacing / density

15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) between plants and 46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in) between rows

Germination temperature

15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F); ideally around 21 °C (69.8 °F).

Germination time

7 to 14 days

Sowing period

Direct sow 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost once soil is above 7°C

Propagation

Seed propagation; open-pollinated heirloom variety

Growing method

For Black Kabouli chickpea; Black Kabouli garbanzo; black chickpea, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Do not soak seed before sowing because it may crack. Direct sow 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost once soil is above 7°C, 1 to 2 inches deep. Space seeds 6 to 8 inches apart and rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Maintain 15 to 25°C, preferably around 21°C; emergence occurs in 7 to 14 days. Grow in average well-drained soil. Avoid excess nitrogen and water at soil level. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral, approximately 6.0 to 7.5

Minimum temperature

Tolerates cool weather and light frost, but protect young plants from a hard freeze

Care level

Moderate

Drought tolerance

Yes

Watering

Water at soil level to keep foliage dry. Maintain even moisture during establishment and flowering, then avoid standing water. Established plants tolerate dry periods. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Soil type

Average loose very well-drained soil with modest nitrogen Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Fertilization

Average soil lightly amended with compost is sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich feeding, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers and pods. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Seasonal care

For Black Kabouli chickpea; Black Kabouli garbanzo; black chickpea, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Keep the row weeded, water at soil level, and monitor aphids and signs of fungal disease. Protect young plants from a hard freeze. For dry harvest, let plants turn brown, then hang them in a dry ventilated place. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Inspect foliage, stems, and leaf undersides regularly so stress or pests can be addressed early.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

Container of at least 30 to 40 L and 36 cm (14 in) deep per plant

Growing Black Kabouli chickpea; Black Kabouli garbanzo; black chickpea in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. Growing in a large container is possible. Choose a deep very well-drained container, place it in gentle sun, and allow enough room for a bushy plant reaching 2 to 3 feet high and 1 to 2 feet wide. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 0.6 to 0.9 m (2 to 3 ft)

Width / spread

Approximately 0.3 to 0.6 m (1 to 2 ft)

Foliage color

Medium green

Foliage type

Compound leaves with numerous toothed leaflets

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Bushy, upright, and compact

Edible parts

Shelled green or dry chickpeas, fully cooked

Fruiting

Small green pods containing chickpeas that darken at maturity Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Days to maturity

Approximately 100 days according to Gaia’s planting guidance

Harvest

For a green harvest, pick small green pods, then shell and cook the seeds. For dry chickpeas, let pods turn brown and dry, pull the plants, and hang them upside down in a dry ventilated location until thoroughly dry.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Gaia traditionally suggests carrot, celery, corn, cucumber, marigold, mint, potato, rosemary, sage, and strawberry. Prioritize legume crop rotation, well-drained soil, watering at soil level, and enough spacing to keep foliage dry. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Plants to avoid

Gaia traditionally recommends separating it from alliums and brassicas. This list is not absolute; prioritize crop rotation, moderate fertility, freely draining soil, and good airflow to limit disease.

Garden use

In the garden, place Black Kabouli chickpea; Black Kabouli garbanzo; black chickpea according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Grow Black Kabouli chickpea in a bright location that remains relatively cool during spring. This crop is sown earlier than warm-season beans, 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost once soil exceeds 7°C. Its bushy 2- to 3-foot habit suits rows, edible beds, and large containers. Allow 18 to 24 inches between rows for access and to keep foliage dry. Very well-drained soil is essential because chickpeas tolerate drought better than standing water. Flowers attract pollinators, followed by pods that provide either a green or dry harvest depending on timing. Keep nitrogen modest so the plants devote energy to flowers and pods rather than excessive foliage. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

For four servings with Black Kabouli chickpea; Black Kabouli garbanzo; black chickpea, harvest seeds, grain, or pods at the recommended stage and sort the crop carefully. Prepare about 250 g of edible material. Rinse under potable water; for dried beans or other pulses, soak when appropriate, discard the soaking water, and cook completely in fresh water before tasting. Drain, then combine with 30 ml of oil, 15 ml of lemon juice or vinegar, one small chopped shallot, and fresh herbs. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled with seasonal vegetables. Young pods and corn may be cooked separately to the desired texture before assembly. Never eat dried beans raw or undercooked. Refrigerate leftovers in a closed container within two hours and use them promptly. Serve promptly to preserve the texture and aromas that distinguish this harvest. Taste before adding more salt so the variety’s own character remains at the centre of the dish. Use a clean board and utensils, then refrigerate promptly any portion that will not be served immediately.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Supporting wildlife

Pollinators while plants flower Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. A diversity of blooms supports more visitors. Beneficial wildlife gains from a diverse garden.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Black Kabouli' chickpea seeds are in the packet?

For Black Kabouli chickpea; Black Kabouli garbanzo; black chickpea, the packet information states: Approximately 25 seeds. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start 'Black Kabouli' chickpea seeds in Canada?

For Black Kabouli chickpea; Black Kabouli garbanzo; black chickpea, the stated sowing period is Direct sow 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost once soil is above 7°C. The recommended method is Seed propagation; open-pollinated heirloom variety, at a depth of 25 to 51 mm (1 to 2 in), direct sown. Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Black Kabouli' chickpea seeds take to germinate?

For Black Kabouli chickpea; Black Kabouli garbanzo; black chickpea, the stated germination period is 7 to 14 days, with a germination temperature of 15 to 25°C; preferably around 21°C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow 'Black Kabouli' chickpea in the garden?

For Black Kabouli chickpea; Black Kabouli garbanzo; black chickpea, the recommended exposure is Full sun to partial shade. The stated spacing guideline is the detailed directions in the product record. For container growing, the product record recommends: Container of at least 30 to 40 L and 36 cm (14 in) deep per plant. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

When and how should I harvest 'Black Kabouli' chickpea?

For Black Kabouli chickpea; Black Kabouli garbanzo; black chickpea, the confirmed edible parts are: Shelled green or dry chickpeas, fully cooked. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.