Legumes & Pulses· Cajanus cajan
Pigeon Pea Growing Guide
A perennial legume widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Important protein source and nitrogen-fixing crop used extensively in intercropping systems across South Asia and East Africa.
How Long Does Pigeon Pea Take to Grow?
Pigeon Pea is typically ready to harvest about 180 days after planting.
FAO. 2025. FAOSTAT: Production: Crops and livestock products. Accessed on 13 October 2026. https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL Licence: CC-BY-4.0.
Growing Conditions
Soil Requirements
Soil Type & pH
Best soil types: sandy loam, loam, clay loam
pH range: 5 - 7 (optimal: 6)
Drainage: good
Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)
Planting Guide
Yield & Economics
Common Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
- pod borer
- pod fly
- blister beetle
Common Diseases
- fusarium wilt
- sterility mosaic
- phytophthora blight
Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.
Growing Tips
Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium to maximize nitrogen fixation and reduce fertilizer costs.
Intercrop with cereals like sorghum or maize to improve land-use efficiency.
Harvest when 80% of pods turn brown to minimize shattering losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Pigeon Pea take to grow?
Pigeon Pea typically takes 180 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 10 days. The best planting season is spring, early_summer.
What soil does Pigeon Pea need?
Pigeon Pea grows best in sandy loam, loam, clay loam soil with a pH of 5-7. Good drainage is required.
What temperature does Pigeon Pea need?
Pigeon Pea grows best at 18-30°C. Frost tolerance: none. Heat tolerance: high.
What is the expected yield for Pigeon Pea?
Across 28 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Pigeon Pea range from 600 to 11,000 kg/hectare, with a median of 995. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.
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Key Agronomy Terms
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