When to Plant Chickpeas in Stark County, IL
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a drought-tolerant legume producing round, nutty-flavored beans. They are the base for hummus, falafel, and many global dishes.
Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,071 feet, Stark County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chickpeas to ensure they mature before fall.
Stark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Chickpeas Planting Timeline — Stark County, IL
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
80–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
174 days
Growing Tips for Stark County
Direct sow 4 weeks before last frost as chickpeas prefer cool growing conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Harvest when pods rattle with dry beans inside.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Chickpeas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chickpeas in Stark County, IL?
Stark County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stark County, IL?
Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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