Fabaceae
Lentil: Ground Cover Plant
Lens culinaris
Lentils require full sun and well-drained soil. They are cool-season crops that should be planted in early spring and kept moderately moist until established.
Every 10 days
Direct sun
5° - 30°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Lentil?
Lentil (Lens culinaris) is a medium-care plant from the Fabaceae family. Lens culinaris, commonly known as the lentil, is a bushy annual legume known for its lens-shaped seeds. It is one of the oldest cultivated crops, featuring delicate pinnate leaves and small papilionaceous flowers. The plant fixes nitrogen in the soil, making it an excellent rotational crop.
Lentil grows up to 40cm, spread of 30cm, watering every 10 days, 5°C – 30°C, 30–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Lentil is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Lentil?
TLDR: Lentil needs Direct sun, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 5-30°C with 30-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Lentil?
Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases; reduce watering once pods begin to dry.
How Much Light Does Lentil Need?
Lentils need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce a good harvest.
What Is the Best Soil for Lentil?
Prefer sandy loam soils with a neutral pH; avoid heavy clay that retains too much moisture.
What Pot Should You Use for Lentil?
Deep garden beds or large fabric pots with excellent drainage.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
What Is Lentil and Where Does It Come From?
Lens culinaris, commonly known as the lentil, is a bushy annual legume known for its lens-shaped seeds. It is one of the oldest cultivated crops, featuring delicate pinnate leaves and small papilionaceous flowers. The plant fixes nitrogen in the soil, making it an excellent rotational crop.
How to Propagate Lentil?
Direct Sowing
- Plant 2-3 weeks before the last frost date.
- Avoid waterlogged soil which causes seed rot.
- 1 Seed Preparation
Inoculate seeds with rhizobium bacteria if planting in new soil to aid nitrogen fixation.
- 2 Sowing
Plant seeds 2-3 cm deep and 5 cm apart in rows spaced 20 cm apart.
- 3 Initial Watering
Water thoroughly after planting to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Lentil Grow?
TLDR: Lentil can reach up to 40cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
40cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Medicinal Uses
- High fiber for digestive health
- Source of folate for pregnancy
- Low glycemic index for blood sugar management
Culinary Uses
- Soups and stews
- Salads
- Meat substitute
- Flour for baking
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Associated with fertility, prosperity, and renewal in various Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
