Cool-season pulse crop and one of the oldest cultivated plants — domesticated 9,000+ years ago in the Fertile Crescent. Excellent rotation crop for cereals.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 3–10 | −40 °C to 4.4 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 3–9 | −34 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–6 | −15 °C to 15 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Lentil doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
Growing notes
- Drought tolerant once established — suited to cool-season Mediterranean and continental climates
- Major pulse crop in India, Canada, and Turkey
- Self-fertile and easy to save seed
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Lentil against your zones