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When to plant Chickpeas in Orange County, IN

Chickpeas planted in Orange County between March 31 and April 21 matures in 80–110 days — well before the October 20 first frost. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chickpeas in Orange County, IN

Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a drought-tolerant legume producing round, nutty-flavored beans. They are the base for hummus, falafel, and many global dishes.

Orange County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 1,246 feet, Orange County receives approximately 34.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chickpeas during the growing season.

Orange County, IN (Zone 6b) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Orange County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chickpeas Planting Timeline — Orange County, IN

Chickpeas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 21
Harvest July 7 Jul 7 – Aug 18
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
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

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

189 days in Orange County

Growing Tips for Orange 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chickpeas in Orange County, IN?

Orange County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Orange County, IN?

Orange County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Chickpeas in Orange County, IN?

In Orange County, IN, plant Chickpeas after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Orange County, IN for Chickpeas?

Orange County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chickpeas grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chickpeas grow in Orange County's climate?

Yes — Chickpeas grows well in Orange County's temperate climate. Orange County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Orange County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Orange County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Orange County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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