When to Plant Lentils in Cass County, MO
Lentils are an ancient pulse crop producing small, lens-shaped seeds packed with protein and iron. They grow on short, bushy plants and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.
Cass County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 910 feet, Cass County receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Cass County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Lentils Planting Timeline — Cass County, MO
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
80–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
191 days
Growing Tips for Cass County
Direct sow in early spring as lentils tolerate frost. Provide short supports as plants tend to lodge. Harvest when lower pods turn brown. Pull entire plants and dry in bundles.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Lentils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lentils in Cass County, MO?
Cass County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cass County, MO?
Cass County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cass County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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