When can I plant lentil outside?

Direct sow or transplant 4 weeks before your last spring frost.

How long until lentil is ready to harvest?

80-110 days. Pods turn brown and dry on the plant; plants begin to yellow; harvest entire plant and thresh seeds

When to Plant Lentil

Lens culinaris

legumeZones 3–9intermediate

Small, lens-shaped seeds packed with protein and fiber. Cool-season crop that tolerates poor soil. Grows low and bushy. Easy to dry and store for year-round use.

Planting calendar

Direct sow / transplant

4 weeks before your last spring frost.

Direct sow in cool weather; do not overwater; let pods dry on plant; entire plant harvested at once

Spacing & harvest

Plant spacing: 1-2 inches
Row spacing: 18-24 inches
Days to harvest: 80-110 days
Ready when: Pods turn brown and dry on the plant; plants begin to yellow; harvest entire plant and thresh seeds

Companion planting

Plant near

Potato — Fixes nitrogen for potatoes

Keep away from

Garlic — Alliums inhibit legume growth
Onion — Alliums inhibit legume growth

Get lentil planting dates for your exact zone

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Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns