Lentils Lens culinaris

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Lentils are annual plants that can grow up to 1-2 feet tall with slender stems and small, edible lens-shaped seeds. The seeds vary in color from green, brown, and black to yellow, red, and orange, depending on the variety.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Fabaceae
- Synonyms
  Masur, Split pea, Tills
- Common names
  Cicer lens, Ervum lens, Lathyrus lens, Lens esculenta, Lens lens, Lentilla lens, Orobus lens, Vicia lens
Toxicity
- To humans
  Lentils are generally not toxic to humans and are safe to eat. However, some people may experience allergic reactions to lentils, especially if they have a history of allergies to legumes.
- To pets
  As for animals, lentils are not toxic to most animals and can be included in their diet in appropriate amounts. However, it is important to note that lentils contain certain antinutrients, such as phytic acid, which can bind to minerals and reduce their absorption in the body. Therefore, it is recommended to properly prepare and cook lentils before feeding them to animals to reduce the antinutrient content.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Height
  Up to 2 feet
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  2
- Native area
  Central Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
High in protein: Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

Rich in fiber: Lentils are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

Low in fat: Lentils are low in fat, making them a great addition to a healthy, balanced diet.

Rich in vitamins and minerals: Lentils are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and folate.

Versatile: Lentils can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and dips, making them a great ingredient to keep on hand in the kitchen.
Medical Properties
Digestive health: Lentils are high in fiber, which aids in digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.

Heart health: Lentils contain nutrients such as folate and magnesium, which are essential for heart health. They are also low in fat and high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels.

Blood sugar control: Lentils have a low glycemic index, which means they can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Weight management: Lentils are a low-calorie food that is high in protein and fiber. Consuming lentils can help individuals feel full and satisfied for a longer period, which may lead to a reduced calorie intake and weight loss.

Cancer prevention: Lentils contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help prevent certain types of cancer.
Air-purifying Qualities
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that lentils have air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
Crafting: Lentils can be used in arts and crafts projects, such as creating jewelry or mosaic art.

Exfoliation: Ground lentils can be used as a natural exfoliant in skincare products.

Cleaning: Lentils can be used to clean small, hard-to-reach places, such as jewelry or other small objects.

Cooking substitute: Lentils can be used as a substitute for meat in vegetarian or vegan dishes.

Decor: Dried lentils can be used as a decorative element in vases or jars.

Gardening: Lentils can be sprouted and grown as a microgreen for use in salads or as a garnish.

Play: Lentils can be used as a sensory material for children's play, such as filling a sensory bin or creating art.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Lentils do not have specific symbolism in feng shui.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Lentils do not have specific symbolism in astrology.
Plant Symbolism
In some cultures, lentils are associated with abundance, prosperity, and good luck. For example, lentils are a traditional New Year's Eve dish in some cultures, as they are believed to bring good fortune and financial success in the coming year. Additionally, some people use lentils in their home decor or crafts to represent the idea of growth and renewal, as lentils are a type of seed that can grow into a plant.

💧

Once a week

Water

☀️

20000 - 50000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Repotting

🌱️

Early spring

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
Lentils should be watered deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot and dry periods.
Light
In terms of light conditions, Lentils prefer full sun exposure, which means they require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate partial shade, but this can reduce the yield of the plant.
Temperature
Lentils are cool-season crops and grow best in temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). They can tolerate colder temperatures down to 40°F (4°C) and can survive light frosts. However, they do not perform well in hot and humid conditions.
Pruning
Lentils do not require pruning.
Cleaning
Not needed
Soil
The best soil for Lentils is a well-draining sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5. Lentils can tolerate slightly acidic soil, but they do not grow well in alkaline soil. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil, such as compost, to improve soil structure and fertility.
Repotting
Not needed as it is not growing in containers.
Humidity & Misting
Lentils prefer moderate humidity levels between 40-60%.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Not growimg
- Outdoor
  Cultivated almost all over the world during the growing season
- Hardiness zone
  USDA 3 and higher
Life cycle
Germination: Lentil seeds will typically germinate within 5-10 days of being planted, provided they have access to adequate moisture and suitable temperature conditions. Lentil seeds can germinate in temperatures ranging from 5-25°C (41-77°F).

Vegetative growth: Once the lentil seedlings have emerged from the soil, they will begin to grow vegetatively. During this stage, the plants will develop a number of leaves and branches. Vegetative growth usually lasts around 6-8 weeks.

Flowering: Lentils will start to produce flowers around 40-60 days after planting. Lentil plants have small, delicate flowers that can range in color from white to pale blue. The flowers are self-pollinating.

Pod development: Once the flowers have been fertilized, the plant will begin to produce pods. Lentil pods are small, flat and contain 1-2 seeds. The pods will continue to grow and mature over a period of several weeks.

Harvest: Lentils are typically harvested once the pods have turned brown and the seeds inside have fully matured. Depending on the variety, this can take anywhere from 90 to 110 days after planting.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Early spring
- Lentils are propagated through seeds. The optimal time for planting Lentils is during early spring, after the last frost date, when the soil has warmed up to about 10-15°C (50-59°F). Lentils can also be planted in late summer to early fall, about 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost date. However, the exact timing for planting Lentils may vary depending on the specific variety and the climate conditions in the planting location.