User:Justinc / CC BY-SA 2.5
garden
Lentil
Lens culinaris
EdibleMedicinalDrought Tolerant
Edible Partsseeds, flowers
Overview
One of humanity's first cultivated crops, lentils have been feeding civilizations for over 10,000 years since the Fertile Crescent. These tiny but mighty legumes are one of the fastest-cooking pulses, needing no soaking and ready in 20-30 minutes. Red, green, black, and French (Puy) lentils each have distinct textures and culinary applications.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureDry
Hardiness Zones7 — 11
Height0.5m
Spread3.16m
Growth HabitGraminoid
LifespanAnnual
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeWell-drained, sandy or loamy soil; drought-tolerant
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Apr — May | Direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost; tolerates frost; 80-110 days |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Aug | Harvest when pods are dry and rattle; pull whole plant and hang to dry |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Sow in early spring; cool-season crop; short bushy plants |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Cut plants when lower pods are brown; dry on tarp; thresh gently |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Feb — Mar | Sow in late winter; needs dry weather during pod maturation |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Jun | Harvest before summer rain; needs dry cure |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Fall sow for winter/spring crop; cool weather preferred |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Feb — Apr | Spring harvest from fall sowing |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Fall sow; cannot tolerate heat or humidity |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jan — Mar | Winter/early spring harvest |
Uses
Culinary
- Dal (lentil stew) in Indian cuisine
- Soups, salads, and stews across global cuisines
- French lentils hold shape beautifully in salads
Medicinal
- High in folate, iron, and plant protein
- Fiber-rich for cardiovascular and digestive health
- Low glycemic index for blood sugar management
Other Uses
- Nitrogen-fixing crop rotation legume
- Drought-tolerant food security crop
