Lentil Planting Calendar

Lentils are a small-seeded pulse crop that grows best in cool weather and moderate moisture. Most U.S. production is in the northern Great Plains and the Pacific Northwest.

Key points

Lentils are a cool-season pulse planted early in spring.
No federal usual planting dates table exists for lentils.
Heat during flowering is a major risk, so early seeding helps.
Smooth fields, clean weed history and a buyer lined up reduce risk.

What kind of crop are lentils?

Lentils are a cool-season legume, and they produce small seeds that are used for human food. They are grown in rotation with cereals in dry and semi-dry regions, where they fit as a break crop that can fix nitrogen and diversify income. Because they are a small acreage crop, USDA NASS does not publish a usual planting dates row for lentils.

That means you should build your plan from local sources, such as university extension and variety trial results, rather than from a federal table.

When do you plant lentils?

Most extension guidance describes lentils as a crop planted early in spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, because they tolerate light frost and prefer to flower during cooler weather. Hot, dry weather during flowering can cut yield, so earlier planting helps flowering and pod fill happen before extreme heat. Ask your state extension service for the seeding date range used in your area.

A seedbed that is too wet or cold can slow emergence and increase seedling disease. Check the soil, not just the calendar.

Plant early, as soon as soil is workable
Heat during flowering hurts yield
No federal table exists

What are the seedbed and seeding considerations?

Lentil seeds are small and plants are short, with low pods near the ground, which means a smooth, level field is helpful at harvest. Rocks and uneven ground can cause harvest losses. Many growers roll the field after seeding to press rocks down and smooth the surface, but check with extension about whether that fits your soil and moisture situation.

Seed depth matters and so does seed quality. Use clean, tested seed and ask your extension specialist how seed treatment and inoculant decisions work in your region.

How do rotation and weed control affect planting plans?

Lentils are weak competitors with weeds, especially early, so weed control planning should start before planting. Choose fields with a clean history and ask extension about herbicide options for your region, including crop rotation restrictions from earlier herbicide use. The label is the law, and restrictions can be strict for sensitive crops like lentils.

Rotation also matters for disease. Many programs recommend a break of several years between lentil crops in the same field. Ask local specialists for your region's number.

What should you know about markets and harvest timing?

Lentil markets are specialized and often depend on export demand, so talk to a buyer before planting. Ask about market classes and quality standards. Harvest timing is tricky because the crop matures over time and shatters if left too long. Extension programs describe how to judge maturity and when to start harvest.

Plan for drying and storage if needed, and check equipment settings that reduce damage to the seed.

How do you reduce risk when starting with lentils?

Start with a small field, ideally one that is smooth and well drained. Keep a record of planting date, seeding method, weather, flowering date and harvest date. Compare your results with local trials and neighbors.

Check crop insurance rules with your agent and review USDA Risk Management Agency materials, since pulse crop coverage and planting dates can differ by county. Talk with your Farm Service Agency office about program rules as well.

Start with a small, smooth field
Keep detailed records
Check insurance and FSA rules

What is a simple planning worksheet for a first lentil field?

Sit down with a notebook and answer a few questions before you buy seed. Which field is smoothest and best drained? What did it grow last year and what herbicides were used, since carryover can hurt sensitive crops? Who will buy the crop, and what do they want? What does your extension office say about planting dates and varieties for your county? What will you do if planting is delayed?

Next, write down your frost dates, the soil conditions you want at planting and a rough harvest window. A cool-season crop like lentils asks for early seeding, so you need your equipment ready before the soil is fit.

After the season, add the results: planting date, stand, flowering date, harvest date, yield and any problems. A short worksheet like this can be repeated each year and shows you whether lentils belong in your rotation.

Check herbicide history before planting
Line up a buyer
Prepare equipment before the soil is fit

When to get local help: Ask your county extension office or a certified crop adviser about lentil varieties, herbicide rotation restrictions and markets.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: November 2026. Educational information, ranges only. Confirm timing with your county extension office.

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