Pigeon Pea Seeds – kviterseeds.com
Pigeon Pea Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 2
Pigeon Pea Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 3
Pigeon Pea Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 4
Pigeon Pea Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 5
Pigeon Pea Seeds – kviterseeds.com
Pigeon Pea Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 2
Pigeon Pea Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 3
Pigeon Pea Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 4
Pigeon Pea Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 5

Pigeon Pea Seeds

Cajanus Cajan
$6.99
$9.99 $6.99
Sale Sold out
40% OFF - The Best Value
50% OFF - The Best Value
Are you interested in wholesale purchases?
Free shipping on order $49+
View full details

About

Pigeon Pea (Cajanus Cajan) is a bushy, woody leguminous plant native to South Asia. As a perennial plant, Cajanus Cajan grows in USDA Zone 9-11 and will come up year after year without much effort from you. However, if you are gardening in zone 8 or colder, Pigeon Pea behaves like an annual. Plants typically reach 4–6 feet, though in ideal conditions they'll push to 12. Harvested Pigeon Pea can be eaten fresh in salads, cooked in soups and rice dishes, or dried for storage or split like lentils and used in curries. Beyond food, Cajanus Cajan seeds fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, which cuts your fertilizer bill and improves the plot for whatever you grow next.

Quick Facts

Life Cycle
Life Cycle Annual
USDA Zones
USDA Zones 08–10
Light Requirements
Light Requirements Full sun
Germination Time
Germination Time 10-14 days
Stratification
Stratification Not required
Spacing
Spacing 9-12 inches
Sowing Method
Sowing Method Direct Sow; Start Indoors
Soil
Soil Well-drained
Flowering Period
Flowering Period Summer; Fall
Water Requirements
Water Requirements Moderate (regular watering)
Maturity Time
Maturity Time 120-180 days
Growing Habit
Growing Habit Bushy

How to Grow & Harvest

Sowing & Timing

Direct sow Pigeon Pea seeds, as they do not like being transplanted. Push each seed ¾–1 inch deep, space them 3–4 inches apart in the row. When choosing the sowing day, it's important to focus on soil temperature rather than the calendar. When temperatures are between 70-85 °F you will get germination within 7-10 days. Pigeon Pea seeds for planting have a 90% germination rate, so make sure to thin seedlings to about 12 inches once they reach 4–5 inches tall.

Soil, Watering & Fertilization

Full sunlight is essential for good pod formation. Cajanus Cajan plants can tolerate very poor and dry, even slightly alkaline soils. This is the rare crop that improves the soil rather than depletes it. Well-draining loam with pH between 5.5-7.0 ensures optimal pod formation. Water consistently during germination and the first month of growth; afterward, these plants can withstand dry spells. 

Growth & Harvest

It takes 120-140 days for the pods to mature. No deadheading is required; however, removing green pods will encourage the production of new pods, instead of putting their energy into seed development. Feed plants once a month with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. In zone 9+ climates, hard pruning the plants after the first harvest period can result in an additional harvest season. For long term storage, allow the pods to dry completely before shelling. Store them in cool and dry places, and Pigeon Pea seeds remain viable up to 2-3 years.

FAQ

Can Pigeon Pea be planted in containers?

Yes, but you'll need a large pot (of about 15–20 gallons capacity). Plants growing in pots tend to be shorter (3-4 ft), with less fruit than the in-ground plants, but if you only have enough space on your porch or balcony, this can work out. 

What are Pigeon Pea companion plants?

The two best-known companions of Pigeon Peas are corn or sorghum. The Pigeon Pea vegetables produce nitrogen to fertilize corn/sorghum and receive wind protection from tall stalks of crops. Do not plant this bean near onions and garlic as these may hinder the development of the beans. Squash works well as a ground cover underneath to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

What can I cook with homegrown Pigeon Peas?

The classic use is Pigeon Peas and rice — a staple across Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and West Africa. They also taste good in curries, thick soups, and stews, or simply boiled and seasoned. Harvest green for a sweeter, fresher flavor; let them dry on the plant if you want split peas or long-term pantry storage.