Growing Hydroponic Chickpea Greens: Tender Garbanzo Leaves in Trays
Hydroponic chickpea greens are young garbanzo shoots grown on a mat or in a shallow tray under lights. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources describes the garbanzo, Cicer arietinum, as an annual cool season legume with fern type compound leaves. Indoors you cut those leaves within weeks of sowing.
The short answer
Soak chickpea seed 6 to 12 hours, sow it thickly in a shallow tray or on a mat, cover it for a few days and then give it 12 to 16 hours of light. Cut the shoots when the first true leaves appear, usually 7 to 21 days after germination.
What are chickpea greens?
They are the stems and young leaves of the garbanzo. UC ANR notes the stems, leaves and pods carry small glandular hairs that secrete malic and oxalic acid. Iowa State University Extension says chickpeas need a long growing season and do well in hot, drier conditions, which makes them difficult to grow in Iowa. For greens, none of that matters since you harvest long before flowering.
UConn Extension lists legumes such as chickpeas and lentils among the seeds sometimes grown into microgreens, and notes that only the stems and leaves are eaten.
How do you grow garbanzo shoots in trays?
The University of Maryland Extension names garbanzo bean among the seeds that germinate faster after a 6 to 12 hour soak. It recommends shallow trays or a standard 10 by 20 inch flat and notes that hemp, coir or jute mats can replace potting mix in a hydroponic setup. Maryland suggests 70 to 75°F for germination, about 16 hours of light a day and fixtures 6 to 12 inches above the leaves.
UConn gives simple steps. Spread the seed evenly, mist, cover with a lid and mist daily. Remove the cover a couple of days after the seed germinates and give 12 to 16 hours of light. See growing schedule for your hydroponics to plan new trays.
When are they ready to cut?
UConn says microgreens are usually harvested 7 to 21 days after germination, once the first true leaves have emerged. Maryland adds that shoots cut at the microgreen stage will not regrow. Cut above the mat with clean scissors. UConn suggests storing harvested greens in the refrigerator for five to seven days.
Chickpea greens growing basics
| Stage | What to do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soak | 6 to 12 hours in water | Maryland lists garbanzo |
| Sow | Even, thick layer | 10 by 20 inch flat or mat |
| Cover | Mist daily under a lid | 70 to 75°F |
| Light | 12 to 16 hours a day | 6 to 12 inches above |
| Cut | When true leaves appear | 7 to 21 days after germination |
Sources: University of Maryland Extension, UConn Extension, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
How to: step by step
- Soak chickpea seed in water for 6 to 12 hours.
- Wet a growing mat in a 10 by 20 inch flat.
- Spread the soaked seed evenly over the mat.
- Mist and cover with a lid, then mist daily.
- Remove the lid a couple of days after germination.
- Give 12 to 16 hours of light from fixtures 6 to 12 inches above.
- Cut above the mat once the first true leaves appear.
Troubleshooting
Uneven sprouting: soak all the seed equally and spread it in one layer.
Mold at the base: vent the cover and add a fan for airflow.
Pale, leggy shoots: move the lights closer or run them longer.
Grow a tray of garbanzo greens
Chickpea shoots turn dry seed into fresh greens in a few weeks. Compare mats and media in hydroponic in different mediums, stay on top of upkeep with caring for your hydroponic system and set the room with hydro setup environment for more greens from Kind Seed Co.
Sources
- Garbanzo bean (chickpea) production in California, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
- All about beans, Iowa State University Extension, Yard and Garden
- Growing microgreens and baby greens indoors, University of Maryland Extension
- Microgreens, UConn Extension
FAQ
Can you eat chickpea leaves?
UConn Extension lists chickpeas among the legumes grown as microgreens, where the stems and leaves are the edible part.
Should chickpea seeds be soaked?
Yes. Maryland Extension lists garbanzo bean among the seeds that sprout faster after a 6 to 12 hour soak.
Do chickpea shoots regrow?
Maryland Extension says microgreens do not regrow after cutting. Sow a new tray instead.
Which seeds work for greens?
Maryland Extension names garbanzo bean among its microgreen seeds. UC ANR describes Kabuli seed as large and cream colored and Desi seed as about half that size.
How long do the greens last after cutting?
UConn Extension suggests five to seven days in the refrigerator.
