Lentil (Lens culinaris)

Lentil

Also known as: Lentille

The lentil (*Lens culinaris*) is a bushy herbaceous plant that can grow to be 30 to 76 cm tall. Lentils are highly valued for their taste and nutritional value. This plant grows in temperate and subtropical regions throughout the world. It prefers sandy soil. Lentil crops can be harvested within 120 days of planting. It is a beneficial plant for crop rotation in farms and gardens because it is a nitrogen-fixer and will improve the soil where it is planted.

Scientific classification

Species

Lentil (Lens culinaris)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Green

Leaf Color

6 mm

Flower Size

White, Purple

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Lentil

Culture

Interesting Facts

Lentil is an important crop all over the world. It is one of the oldest cultivated crops still used today. In 2018, Canada was the largest producer of lentils, followed by India and then the United States. These plants grow in a variety of soil types and will improve the quality of the soil, and even increase the yields of crops grown in the same space the following season.

Name Story

Lentil: Lentil, or Lens culinaris, is a plant in the legume family with an edible seed. The Latin name may be related to the old French word, lentille, which means freckle, referring to the small size of the seed. Culinaris refers to the plants culinary use.

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Care Guide for Lentil

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Lentil prefers consistent moisture and should be watered weekly without becoming waterlogged. Thriving best outdoors, it benefits from natural rainfall, making adequate drainage essential to prevent root rot during heavy rains.

Pruning: Lentil is an annual herbaceous plant valued for its edible seeds and feathery leaves. Key pruning involves removing damaged foliage and excess growth in early to late spring, promoting health and yields. Sterilizing tools is essential to prevent infection.

Propagation: Lentil is propagated through direct sowing of seeds in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Treating seeds with rhizobia aids nitrogen fixation. Moderate watering ensures moisture without waterlogging, and thinning seedlings improves air circulation and growth.

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