Plant library
Pioneer species
Pigeon Pea
Cajanus cajan
Zones 9–13
The warm-climate workhorse: a fast, drought-hardy nitrogen-fixing shrub that yields protein-rich peas and piles of chop-and-drop biomass in a single season.
Sun
Full sun
Water
low
Spacing
3-5 ft apart
Soil
Any well-drained soil, pH 5.0-7.5
Difficulty
easy
Zones
9–13
When to plant
Apr
May
Timing shifts with your zone — the Genie can pin down exact dates for you.
How to care for it
Sow after soil warms in spring, 1 in deep. It fixes nitrogen, shades the soil, and can be cut to the ground each year for a giant armful of mulch.
Good companions
Classic companion in tropical gardens with cassava, corn, and sweet potato
Harvest
Harvest fresh pods green for shell peas, or dry them on the plant for storage beans.
Want a plan for growing Pigeon Pea?
Your Genie can give exact timing and care for your zone.
