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The Garbanzo Plant: Complete Guide and Care Tips
Mention the word garbanzo to anyone, and instantly their mind goes to hummus.
It’s no surprise as it is a popular ingredient in the Mediterranean dish.
However, did you know that garbanzo plants are also edible? Yes, they are! After reading this article, you will have a complete guide on how to care for your garbanzo plant.
What is a Garbanzo Plant?
A garbanzo plant (Cicer Arietinum) is an annual legume that grows up to 20-50 cm tall.
The plant has small feathery leaves and produces pea-like flowers which have light pink or white coloration.
Where Can You Grow Garbanzos?
You can grow your garbanzos in either pots or directly in the ground depending on what works best for you.
They are not picky about soil but prefer well-drained soil with a pH level of 6-7.5.
- Growth Cycle – In most areas around the world, people sow their seeds from mid-autumn through winter
- Temperature – A temperature of around 60 F (15 C) is ideal for germination
- Sunlight – The plants require at least six hours of sunlight daily during growth and development stages
Caring For Your Garbazno Plants
- Watering – Water your plants regularly especially during periods of droughts where there’s low rainfall.
- Fertilizer – Use organic fertilizer when planting and replanting to keep the soil nutrient-rich.
- Pests – Although not very common, if you notice pests such as aphids and leafhoppers, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Note: Overwatering may cause mildew formation; hence maintain proper watering schedules
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- Note: Prevent infestation by regular pruning of plants
Harvesting Your Garbanzo Plants
The plant matures in around 100 days from planting time.
You will know it’s ready for harvesting once the leaves are yellowish or brownish in color.
The pods produced by garbanzos have a fuzzy texture with a semi-hard shell casing enclosing two-three seeds each.
After harvesting, it is best to dry the pods before extracting them from their shells to increase their shelf life.
Sun-drying takes around two weeks after which you can thresh the pods manually on a tarp or purchase a thresher machine.
In Conclusion
Gardening can be an enjoyable activity that also provides an abundance of fresh vegetables and herbs for your household needs! A garbanzo plant is one such crop that doesn’t require much attention but still yields great results if properly cared for during its growth cycle.
By following these simple tips outlined in this article, you can be a successful garbanzo plant grower and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
