75 DAYS
Cicer arietinum
Orion is a large-seeded kabuli chickpea developed by the University of Saskatchewan, tailored for shorter growing seasons. These beige-coloured, pea-shaped legumes have a mild nutty taste and are versatile enough to substitute for meat in various dishes. Packed with nutrition, they are a staple in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cuisines.
Size: Mature plants reach approximately 18 to 24 in. tall with pods containing one to two chickpeas.
Yield: Produces a good quantity of chickpeas, especially when grown in supportive conditions.
Taste: Mild, nutty flavour that becomes richer when cooked, providing great texture in dishes.
How to use: Perfect in salads, soups, and stews or mashed for spreads like hummus. Green chickpeas can be cooked in their pods or shelled for fresh dishes.
Planting tips: Sow seeds 1.5 to 2 in. deep, spaced 3 to 6 in. apart in rows. Ideally planted as early as 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost when soil temperature has warmed to 15°C. Avoid heavy watering after sowing.
Harvest tips: Harvest green chickpeas at about 75 days, or let plants dry for mature chickpeas after leaves turn brown. Best stored in a cool, dry spot.
