I grew some last year in pots, but only got one pea per pod and there weren't many of those.
Is this normal?
If not, can you suggest some tips for increasing yield.
I've never been brave enough to try. Yields are supposed to be low at the best of times. What are the fresh peas like by the way? Seeds of Italy sell them, but not a variety named below
here is some info from
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Cicer+arietinum (http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Cicer+arietinum)
Cultivation details
Requires a hot sunny position[33, 37, 200], tolerating drought once established[27, 57]. Prefers a light well-drained fertile soil[33, 200]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.5 to 8.6. Plants are hardy to about -25°c when covered by snow[74]. This suggests that plants can be autumn sown - some trials are called for, especially of some of the hardier cultivars[K]. The chickpea is widely cultivated in warm temperate and tropical areas for its edible seed[46, 50]. There are many named varieties, some of which should be suitable for cultivation in Britain[141]. Plants only succeed outdoors in Britain in hot summers[33, 37]. Plants are about as hardy as broad beans[141] but they often do not succeed in mild moist maritime climates because the seedpods are hairy and this holds moisture. The moisture then encourages fungal growth and the seed usually rots before it is fully mature[K]. Plants require 4 - 6 months with moderately warm dry conditions if they are to crop well[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.
Propagation
Seed - sow April/May in situ under cloches. Chick peas can germinate at lower temperatures than broad beans[141]. Could an early spring or even autumn sowing outdoors be successful?
Cultivars
'Brown Seeded'
A small-seeded form, better suited to the home gardener than commercial cultivation. Especially useful in short-season dry areas, it does not do well in coastal fog-belt areas[183].
'Green Seeded'
A small-seeded form, better suited to the home gardener than commercial cultivation. This is the best cultivar for sprouting[183]. Especially useful in short-season dry areas, it does not do well in coastal fog-belt areas[183].
'Kabuli Black'
A very hardy and vigorous cultivar, maturing in 95 days from seed[183]. The medium-sized seed is solid black and 2 seeds are produced per pod[183]. Somewhat tolerant of cold soils and drought resistant[183].
'Whitev'
A late cultivar with large white seeds[183]. The skin peels of the seed easily atfer a short period of cooking[183]. Recommended for growing in high rainfall areas[183].
A plot neighbour of mine grew them the year before last with great success - she didn't grow that many plants as it was her first time, but she got a substantial crop from each plant. Last year, not so good but then that's hardly surprising really.
Sorry, I don't know what variety they were, but she didn't give them any particularly special treatment.