Vicia lens
Vicia lens · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant vicia lens: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Vicia lens
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Type
- Annual herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer
- Adult size
- 30 to 50 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate (temperate climate)
- Origin
- Southwest Asia (Middle East and Mediterranean)
Care
Light exposure
Lentils require a sunny location, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They tolerate partial shade but flowering and fruit production will be reduced. Avoid windy areas that can damage the fragile stems.
Soil
Well-draining and moderately fertile soil is suitable. Lentils prefer light to medium soils, rather neutral to slightly acidic. Adding well-decomposed compost before sowing enriches the soil without excessive fresh organic matter.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but without waterlogging. Gradually reduce watering as the pods mature. In dry climates, light mulching around the plants helps retain moisture.
Fertilization
Apply balanced, light fertilizer at the start of growth. Thanks to its nitrogen-fixing ability (root nodules), lentils are not demanding. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of seed production.
Pruning and harvesting
No pruning is necessary during growth. Harvest the pods when they turn brown and dry on the plant, usually 80 to 110 days after sowing. Let the plant fully mature before harvesting for better seed storage.
Diseases and pests
Lentils can be affected by powdery mildew in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid excess foliage moisture. Aphids and mites are the main pests; intervene quickly if detected. Cultural practices (crop rotation, cleaning) prevent most problems.
Did you know?
The lentil is one of the oldest cultivated plants, domesticated as early as the Neolithic in the Fertile Crescent. It features among the 'seven species' mentioned in the Torah and has nourished entire civilizations, from ancient Egypt to modern India where it remains a staple food in the form of 'dal'. Its agronomic role is remarkable: its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen enriches soils and makes it an ideal crop in organic farming and crop rotation.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.