Cicer - Chick Pea, Garbanzo Bean

DESCRIPTION: This annual is commonly known as the Garbanzo Bean or Chick Pea. The Garbanzo Bean is a native of Asia and an important food item from the Mediterranean countries to India; they are full of protein and starch. These plants are busy and grow 1 to 2 feet high. They resemble vetch more than peas or beans. They have compound leaves composed of 9 to 15 leaflets and produce short, bloated pods that contain 1 or 2 wrinkled seeds; the pods are about an inch long. For as much space that is taken up, they don't yield that much; however, they make a good summer soil-builder for sections of the garden lying fallow.

POTTING: Two to three dozen plants should be grown to make the crop worthwhile. Garbanzo Beans grow better in the dry heat of the West and Southwest. When several pods are dry, the whole plant is harvested, or the pods alone are gathered if you only have a few plants. Dry the plants in the sun on a catch-cloth so the dried seeds are caught as the pods split open.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in late spring in sandy or sandy loam soil. They should be set 6 inches apart.

VARIETIES: C. arietinum.

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