Lentils

Lens culinaris, commonly known as lentils, are slender, semi-erect cool-season annuals cherished worldwide for their nutritional value. Ranging from single stems to vigorous, bushy forms, lentils typically reach heights of 12-18 inches, exhibiting delicate flowers in hues of white, pale purple, or purple-black. Self-pollinated by nature, lentils may undergo cross-pollination facilitated by thrips or other small insects, rather than wind or honeybees. Despite their agricultural significance, lentils face challenges in weed competition, particularly during early vegetative growth stages and in cool weather conditions. Weeds can quickly overshadow lentil crops, leading to significant yield reductions if left uncontrolled. Germination and growth rates of lentils are heavily influenced by temperature, with variations depending on cultivar, seed size, and age. While smaller-seeded cultivars tend to germinate more rapidly at warmer temperatures, lentil seeds exhibit versatility in germinating in both light and dark conditions, and under constant or fluctuating temperature regimes. Planting is feasible once ground temperatures remain above 40°F, providing flexibility in timing to suit regional conditions and cultivation practices. Lentils, with their adaptability and nutritional prowess, continue to be a staple crop across the globe.