[debbiewilliams]

I have started some chickpea seeds (from Seeds of Italy) off in toilet rolls and they are ready for transplanting. Does anybody have any advice on soil preparation? How big do they grow? Will they need support? and When to harvest? Unfortunately all the instructions on the packet are in Italian and I don't speak that particular language.

[gobs]

Not me.

You harvest when pods are dry as with dried beans. Soil as per legumes, growth habit is low, sprawling, rather like asparagus peas.


Also see here:

LINK

[dereklane]

Nor me, but I am growing some this year also. I've read they have deep tap roots (so probably fine once established to leave them to themselves), and do best under a little stress (so the warmer/drier the better).

I have planted 50, just for a test, started off indoors. Though its been dry, they seem to be happy, their leaves seem to close up a little when its hot, presumably to conserve moisture. Interesting plant..

[zucchiniqueen]

You could try putting the instructions into Babelfish (or similar translating website) and see what comes up...sometimes it is partially sensible! But might give you a few ideas.
Good luck - am keen to hear how you go.

[Oliveview]

Could I plant dried chickpeas like we get from the shops? Or is that a silly question :roll:
Pamela

[gobs]

I'm sure you could.

[dereklane]

Mine are from the shop. I eat some, and I plant some. They seem to germinate well.

[kezlou]

Sorry for stealing the thread but what a great idea germinating dried chickpeas.

How would one do this?

[dereklane]

I just put them in compost and off they went. Actually, I tried a few on moist kitchen roll first, just to make sure I wasn't wasting my time. I've also got a couple of rows of shop bought dried peas going.

Cheap, so if you've got the space, and you intend to do the same, probably worth it. Maybe the peas aren't going to have the same type of sweetness as known varieties. I'll probably report back on that in a month or so if I remember... (its my first time for both).

[kezlou]

Thanks for that Derek i'll give it a go tomorrow, no harm in trying.  

[Brian_of_Bozeat]

I've sprouted chickpeas in the past and they tasted pretty good in a salad at about an inch long.

Got em at holland & Barret. IIRC

[Gardeningguru]

I've sprouted chickpeas in the past and they tasted pretty good in a salad at about an inch long.

Got em at holland & Barret. IIRC

For the original poster,  if you email seeds of italy, they will gladly answer any specific questions you have on any of the items they sell. Very good supplier in my opinion! But one of many to be fair.

I am trying their turnip tops this year (Cima di Rapa), a 40 day turn-around from seed isnt bad! I have seen these broccoli stalk looking veg's sold in supermarkets at exuberant prices!

Paul

[senrab_nhoj]

exuberant prices!

Are they shouted out loudly then?

[littlelisa]

I understand Italian, so if you want to type the instructions into a pm, can help you with a translation.