Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a perennial legume native to India and Africa. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and nitrogen-fixing, it germinates readily without special treatment. Direct seeding or container starting both successful.
Before sowing
Soak
5 h Seeds soaked in water for 5 hours before germination; some protocols use 30 min soaking in hypochlorite solution first
No pregermination treatment needed; seeds have natural hard coat
Sowing
Substrate
well-draining loamy soil; tolerates sandy to clay soils
Depth
1cm
Temperature
25°C
Moisture
media
Container
seeding flats or pots 4-6 inches
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at 1cm · 25°C
Day 7–21
Seedlings emerge (~50%)
Tips
Germinates faster in warm soils (20-30°C ideal). Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Rapid emergence 2-3 weeks. No scarification needed. Can germinate in darkness. Plant in full sun after emergence. Early growth is slow for first 2-3 months. Place seeds 2-3cm deep when direct sowing.
Sources: World Agroforestry, tropical.theferns.info, PMC NCBI, Seeds company specifications, ATTRA/NCAT, PFAF, Feedipedia, USDA Plant Guide
