Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Lentil — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Lens culinaris |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 7.2–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 80–110 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 5.1–10.2 |
| Mature height (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 15.2–25.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow seeds 1 in deep in rows 18 in apart in well-drained, moderately fertile soil; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that delay podding. The slender, branching plants benefit from brushy twigs as supports to keep pods off the ground and improve air circulation. Harvest the entire plant when the majority of lower pods have turned tan but before they shatter. Thresh by beating dried plants on a tarp and winnow lightly to clean seed before storage.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0