Black lentils make a great base for soups, stews, or as an accompaniment to meals. Lentils are a hardy annual; they are a member of the pea family. Lentils grow on sparsely branched vines from 45 to 60cm tall. The lentil has small whitish to light purple pea-like flowers. Pods are small, broad, flat and contain one or two flat, a lens-shaped seed that is green or yellow to orange, red or brown. Lentils flower from the lower branches up until harvest. Each flower produces a short pod that contains two seeds. Plant 4 to 8 lentils per household member. Lentils will germinate best between 20 and 30 degrees. WHERE TO PLANT LENTILS • Plant lentils in full sun. • Lentils prefer loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. • Lentils will grow in poor soil but the yield will be reduced. • Lentils will not grow well in water-logged soil. • Lentils grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. • Add aged compost to planting beds before sowing. Every seed variety undergoes organic cultivation and self-testing on our South African, Botswanan, Zambian, and Tanzanian farms. Our commitment lies in offering a diverse selection of organically grown, open-pollinated, Non-GMO seeds, proudly produced and acclimated locally. Before planting, please verify the conditions in your area suitable for the specific seed type. Growth rates and germination times hinge on various factors like soil conditions, rainfall/watering patterns, climate, and more. The outcome of growth and harvest may be influenced by these conditions.