Pigeon pea Cajanus cajan
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to India. It grows 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan Pigeon pea in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Pigeon pea at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 14–21 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: green and dry peas, young pods |
| Native to | India |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Pigeon pea toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pigeon pea
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Pigeon pea
- How far apart should I plant Pigeon pea?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Pigeon pea need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pigeon pea need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pigeon pea?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Pigeon pea flower?
- About 14–21 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Pigeon pea poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Pigeon pea?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- A short-lived woody legume: drought-proof hedges that feed people (toor dal) and the soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis