When to Plant Lentils in Danville City, VA
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.
Danville City, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 970 feet, Danville City receives approximately 52.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lentils root diseases.
Danville City Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 — Danville City, VA
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
199 days
Growing Tips for Danville City
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 Danville City, VA?
Danville City is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Danville City, VA?
Danville City, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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