‘Black Kabouli’ chickpea, ecologically grown seeds (Cicer arietinum)

Name: ‘Black Kabouli’ chickpea, ecologically grown seeds ( Cicer arietinum )
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Chickpea

Product code : GAIAS-0236

Large-seeded black heritage chickpea, adapted to cool weather and drought-tolerant. Organically grown; approximately 100 days. Read package instructions before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained substrate, then moisten it before planting the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedling uniformly moist without allowing water to stagnate, as excess humidity reduces aeration around young roots. Place seedlings in bright light as soon as they emerge and regularly rotate containers to encourage balanced growth. When multiple seedlings are competing for the same space, carefully thin to retain the most vigorous specimens without disturbing their roots.

‘Black Kabouli’ chickpea, ecologically grown 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 ecologically grown 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.

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.

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.

Uses in the garden

Install Kabuli black chickpeas in a bright location that remains relatively cool in the spring. This crop is sown earlier than warm-season beans, 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost, when the soil temperature exceeds 7°C. Its bushy habit of 60 to 90 cm is suitable for rows, edible garden beds, and large containers. Leave 45 to 60 cm between rows for circulation and to keep the foliage dry. Very well-drained soil is essential, as chickpeas tolerate drought better than standing water. The flowers attract pollinators, then the pods offer a green or dry harvest depending on the chosen timing. Read the package instructions before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, and well-drained substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their movement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without allowing standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots. Place the seedlings in bright light immediately after germination and regularly turn the containers to promote balanced growth. When multiple seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully to keep the most vigorous plants without disturbing their roots.

01 How much does the sachet contain?

The packet contains approximately 25 organically grown seeds. Gaia does not claim organic certification for this product. Black Kabouli is an annual, heirloom, open-pollinated variety of *Cicer arietinum*, the chickpea, in the Fabaceae family. Read the instructions on the packet before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, and well-draining substrate, then moisten it before planting the seeds to limit their movement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without allowing stagnant water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots. Place the seedlings in bright light upon emergence and regularly rotate the containers to promote balanced growth.

02 How to start seedlings?

Do not soak seeds before sowing, as this can cause them to split. Sow directly 2–3 weeks before the last frost when the soil temperature is above 7°C, 2.5–5 cm deep. Water gently at the base and avoid waterlogged soil. Read the packet instructions before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-draining substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their movement. Keep the seedling uniformly moist without allowing standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots.

03 How long does germination take?

Germination typically takes 7 to 14 days at 15-25°C, ideally around 21°C. Kabuli chickpeas prefer cool weather. Ordinary, loose, well-drained soil helps seeds emerge without rotting. Read the instructions on the packet before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their movement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without allowing stagnant water, as excess humidity reduces aeration around young roots. Place seedlings in bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to promote balanced growth.

04 How to plan your garden planting?

Space plants 15 to 20 cm apart, and rows 45 to 60 cm apart. Bushy plants grow to about 60 to 90 cm tall and 30 to 60 cm wide. This spacing facilitates air circulation and the harvesting of small pods. Read the instructions on the seed packet before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained substrate, then moisten it before planting the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedbed uniformly moist without allowing standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots.

05 When is the harvest?

The crop takes approximately 100 days. Harvest the small green pods for fresh chickpeas to shell and cook, or let the pods brown for a dry harvest. Then hang the plants in a dry, ventilated place until completely dry. Read the instructions on the packet before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without allowing standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around the young roots.