Marvel Chickpea

Marvel Chickpea is an annual legume, known as garbanzo bean or Egyptian pea with a popular nutty, mildly sweet flavor. Chickpea is a key ingredient in hummus and chana masala, and it can be ground into flour to make falafel. It is also toasted into snacks and used in salads, soups and stews, curry and other meal products like channa. The chickpea is important in Indian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Packed with protein and fiber, it supports a healthy, balanced diet and provides sustained energy throughout the day. Marvel Chickpeas are also a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and magnesium, all essential for overall health. Marvel Chickpea is a high-yielding variety with excellent adaptability to a range of growing conditions - a great choice for any home gardener.

Also Known As: Garbanzo Bean, Ceci Bean, Bengal Gram, Chana, Chickpea, Chana Dal, Egyptian Pea, Kabuli Chickpea, Desi Chickpea, Kala Chana, Indian Pea.

Plant Name:	Chickpea, Marvel
Latin Name:	Cicer arietinum
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	100
Plant Height:	18 - 24 Inches
Spread:	12 -18 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	6-9
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Plant Chickpeas in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 60F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 10-12 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 5 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-2 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	5 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: As the plants begin to flower and set beans, you may optionally apply fertilizer to help plants produce more peas. Read and follow fertilizer instructions for best application. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Chickpeas can be picked in the shelling stage or the dry stage. To pick beans during the shelling stage for fresh eating, pick when the pod has changed color and the beans have been plumped, but before the pods and seeds have dried, about 60 days. To pick for dry beans, wait until the pods have fully matured, about 100 days after planting, the leaves yellowed, the pods become dry and brittle, and you can hear the seeds rattling inside when shaken. Harvest before frost, as cold weather can damage the beans. To collect, simply pull the pods from the plant and shell the beans, or pull up the entire plant to dry indoors if wet weather threatens.