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Growing Chickpea in Des Moines

🇺🇸 Zone 2 Planting Guide · Hot-summer humid continental climate

USDA Zone 2 170 frost-free days 90-120 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Chickpea in Des Moines

Yes, you can grow Chickpea in Des Moines, US! Plant during May, Jun, Jul, Aug for best results. Des Moines is in USDA Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate, offering 170 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is medium, and Chickpea takes 90-120 days to harvest. Chickpea needs full sun and low watering.

Climate Match Analysis

Moderate Match Des Moines + Chickpea

Des Moines's climate requires careful timing. Winter lows (-12°C) drop below Chickpea's minimum (5°C), so avoid cold months. Follow the recommended planting months for success.

Chickpea tolerates 5°C to 35°C
Optimal: 15°C - 28°C
Des Moines range -12°C to 30°C

Des Moines Climate Data

USDA Zone
2
Frost-Free
170days
Winter Low
-12°C
Summer High
30°C
Rainfall
889mm/yr
Climate
Dfa
Hot-summer humid continental

Chickpea Planting Calendar for Des Moines

Green months show the best time to plant Chickpea in Des Moines

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant Chickpea Not recommended

Chickpea Growing Requirements

☀️

Sunlight

Full Sun

6+ hours direct sunlight

💧

Water

Low

Drought tolerant, water sparingly

📅

Days to Harvest

90-120

From planting to first harvest

📊

Difficulty

medium

Some experience helpful

💡 Growing Tips for Chickpea

Needs long warm season. Drought-tolerant. Wait until soil warms to at least 15°C before transplanting outdoors — cold soil stunts growth and can invite root rot. Overwatering is the most common mistake. Let soil dry out between waterings and ensure drainage is excellent.

Frost tolerance: Chickpea is NOT frost tolerant — wait until after the last frost in Des Moines.

How to Grow Chickpea in Des Moines

Des Moines, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa). With winter lows of -12°C and summer highs of 30°C, the growing season spans approximately 170 frost-free days. Chickpea grows well with some gardening knowledge in this climate.

Chickpea thrives in temperatures between 15°C and 28°C, requiring full sun and low watering. In Des Moines, the best months to plant Chickpea are May, June, July, August. Chickpea is not frost tolerant, so it's important to wait until after the last spring frost before transplanting outdoors. Expect to harvest in approximately 90-120 days after planting.

With 889mm of annual rainfall, Des Moines provides moderate natural moisture. This should be adequate for Chickpea's water needs.

Other Plants That Grow in Des Moines

More plants you can grow alongside Chickpea in Des Moines

Keep Exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow chickpea in Des Moines?

Yes! Chickpea can be successfully grown in Des Moines, US. Des Moines is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate. The difficulty level for growing Chickpea here is rated "medium". The best months to plant are May, June, July, August.

When should I plant chickpea in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, the recommended planting months for Chickpea are May, June, July, August. Des Moines has 170 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of -12°C and summer highs of 30°C. Since Chickpea is not frost tolerant, make sure to plant after the last frost date.

How long does chickpea take to grow in Des Moines?

Chickpea typically takes 90-120 days from planting to harvest. In Des Moines's Hot-summer humid continental climate with 170 frost-free days, you have enough time with good planning to grow Chickpea to maturity. Needs long warm season. Drought-tolerant. Wait until soil warms to at least 15°C before transplanting outdoors — cold soil stunts growth and can invite root rot. Overwatering is the most common mistake. Let soil dry out between waterings and ensure drainage is excellent.

Can I grow chickpea indoors in Des Moines?

Chickpea can potentially be grown indoors in Des Moines with proper conditions. It requires full sun (6+ hours of direct light — a south-facing window or grow lights recommended). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the May, Jun, Jul, Aug outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and low watering.

What month do I plant chickpea in Des Moines?

Plant Chickpea in Des Moines during May, June, July, August. These are the optimal months based on Des Moines's USDA Zone 2 climate, 170 frost-free days, and temperature range of -12°C to 30°C.

Is chickpea hard to grow in Des Moines?

Chickpea is rated "medium" to grow in Des Moines. Some gardening experience is helpful. Pay attention to watering schedules and planting timing. The climate match for Chickpea in Des Moines is Moderate.

What grows well with chickpea in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, you can grow many companion plants alongside Chickpea. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in Des Moines's Zone 2 climate.

Does chickpea need full sun in Des Moines?

Chickpea requires full sun. In Des Moines, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Most garden locations with southern exposure will work well.

Last updated: March 2026 · Climate data from NOAA, FAO, USDA

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