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When to Plant Lentils in Coryell County, TX

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.

Coryell County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 3,488 feet, Coryell County receives approximately 65 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lentils, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lentils root diseases.

Coryell County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 16
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Coryell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jul 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (118 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 9 Transplant: Mar 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Jul 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (110 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Aug 14

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Lentils needs ~1,734 GDD — county provides 4,453 GDD Excellent fit

Lentils Planting Timeline โ€” Coryell County, TX

Lentils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 โ€“ Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Direct Sow March 2 Mar 2 โ€“ Mar 23
Fall Sowing September 6 Sep 6 โ€“ Sep 20
Harvest June 8 Jun 8 โ€“ Jul 20

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

80โ€“110 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

244 days

Growing Tips for Coryell 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lentils in Coryell County, TX?

Coryell County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 16. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Coryell County, TX?

Coryell County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and first fall frost is November 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Coryell County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Coryell County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.