Maturing seeds need 90-120 days for optimal growth. Dry bean growers must be careful to avoid cool weather in the spring and fall. The two main types of chickpeas are kabuli and desi. Kabuli chickpeas are large, round and cream in colour. The larger the seed, the higher the price paid.
Desi chickpeas are smaller and more angular and tend to range from purple to green in colour.
They are also more resistant to disease, insects and frost. Canada has a small domestic market for chickpeas and chickpea products. According to the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Association this need is currently being met by imports from Mexico, California, Australia, Malawi and Turkey. Chickpeas can tolerate light spring frost and are relatively drought tolerant due to their long taproot. Round seeded peas are used mostly for food and feed.