Lentils are one of the easiest legumes to sprout at home. They germinate quickly, don't take up as much room as larger legumes such as chickpeas, and produce crisp sprouts with a mild, earthy flavour.
The basic method is simple: soak whole lentils, drain them thoroughly, then rinse and drain them several times each day until the small roots reach the stage you prefer.
This guide explains how to grow lentil sprouts in a 500ml sprouting jar, including which lentils can be sprouted, how long to soak them and when they're ready to harvest.
Lentil Sprouting Quick Guide
| Lentil Sprouts | |
|---|---|
| Seed per 500ml jar | Approx. 3 tbsp (35g) |
| Soak time | 10–12 hours |
| Rinse | 2–3 times daily |
| Harvest | Approx. 2–6 days, depending on variety |
| Ideal growing temperature | Approx. 18–23°C |
| Growing method | Glass sprouting jar or purpose-built sprouter |
For a comparison with other sprouting seeds, see our Sprouting Seed Guide: Soak Times, Quantities & Harvest Times.
Which Lentils Can You Sprout?
The most important thing is to start with whole lentils suitable for sprouting.
Depending on the variety, lentils may have green, brown, black, red or other coloured seed coats. Whole viable lentils can germinate when given suitable moisture, temperature and airflow.
OzSprout currently offers three whole lentil varieties for sprouting:
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Black Lentil Sprouting Seeds – Beluga – small black lentils that produce firm, crisp sprouts with a mild, earthy and slightly nutty flavour.
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French Green Lentil Sprouting Seeds – firm green lentils producing crunchy sprouts with an earthy, mildly peppery and nutty flavour.
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Large Red Lentil Sprouting Seeds – whole red lentils suitable for growing fresh lentil sprouts at home.
All three can be grown using the same basic jar-sprouting process: soak, rinse, drain and allow the roots to develop.
Whole Lentils vs Split Lentils
Not every bag of lentils from the supermarket will sprout.
Many lentils sold primarily for cooking are split lentils. Once a lentil has been split into two halves, the seed is no longer intact and cannot develop into a normal sprout.
This is particularly important with red lentils because the familiar orange-red lentils commonly sold for soups, curries and dhal are often split and dehulled.
For sprouting, use whole, intact lentils suitable for sprouting.
What You'll Need
To grow lentil sprouts at home, you'll need:
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Approximately 3 tablespoons (35g) whole lentil sprouting seeds
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A clean 500ml wide-mouth glass jar
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A sprouting lid or fine-mesh draining lid
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Clean, drinking-quality water
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A draining stand, rack or bowl
If this is your first time growing sprouts, our How to Grow Sprouts in a Jar guide explains the basic jar-sprouting method in more detail.
Step 1: Measure the Lentils
Measure approximately 3 tablespoons or 35g of dry lentils for a 500ml sprouting jar.
Lentils expand as they absorb water and germinate, so don't fill the jar with dry seed.
Leaving plenty of empty space makes it easier to rinse the developing sprouts and allows water to drain effectively.
Step 2: Rinse the Lentils
Place the lentils into a clean sprouting jar.
Cover them with clean water, gently move the lentils around and drain.
Check the seeds and remove any obvious foreign material or damaged lentils before soaking.
Step 3: Soak for 10–12 Hours
Cover the lentils generously with clean, drinking-quality water.
Allow them to soak for approximately 10–12 hours.
An overnight soak is convenient. You can start a batch in the evening, leave the lentils soaking overnight and drain them the following morning.
The lentils will absorb water and become noticeably larger during this period.
Step 4: Drain Thoroughly
After soaking, drain away all of the soaking water.
Add fresh water, gently rinse the lentils and drain again.
Position the jar at an angle with the opening facing downward so excess water can continue to escape and air can circulate.
The lentils should remain moist enough to germinate, but they should not sit in standing water.
Step 5: Rinse 2–3 Times Daily
Rinse and thoroughly drain the lentils approximately 2–3 times each day.
A simple routine is:
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Morning
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Late afternoon or evening
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An additional rinse during particularly warm conditions if required
Fill the jar with enough water to rinse the lentils freely, gently move them around and drain thoroughly.
Return the jar to its draining position after each rinse.
Step 6: Watch for the First Roots
Lentils generally begin showing small white roots relatively quickly.
At first you may see only a tiny white point emerging from the seed. The root will become longer as germination continues.
Don't worry if every lentil doesn't germinate at precisely the same time. Some variation within a batch is normal.
Continue rinsing and draining while the roots develop.
Step 7: Harvest at Your Preferred Stage
Lentil sprouts are relatively quick to grow.
Black Beluga and French Green lentils can generally be ready in approximately 2–4 days, while some lentil varieties may be grown for longer depending on the desired stage and growing conditions.
You don't need to wait for long stems or green leaves to develop.
Young lentil sprouts with relatively short roots have a crisp texture, while allowing them to grow for longer produces more developed sprouts.
Try harvesting at different stages to find the texture you prefer.
Once they're ready, give the sprouts a final thorough rinse and drain.
How Long Should Lentil Sprouts Be?
There isn't one exact length at which lentil sprouts must be harvested.
They can be eaten relatively young once the seed has germinated and a small root has developed.
Some people prefer short lentil sprouts because they retain more of the firm texture of the original lentil. Others prefer allowing the root to grow further.
Use the individual product instructions as a guide, then harvest according to the texture and stage you prefer.
Do Different Lentil Colours Sprout Differently?
Whole red, green and black lentils can all be grown as sprouts, but each variety has its own appearance, flavour and texture.
The basic growing method is similar, but germination and harvest times can vary slightly.
Black Lentils
Black Lentil Sprouting Seeds – Beluga are small whole black lentils that produce compact sprouts with a firm, crisp texture.
Their dark seed coat remains visible as the white root emerges, creating a distinctive contrast.
For a 500ml jar, use approximately 3 tablespoons (35g), soak for 10–12 hours, then rinse and thoroughly drain approximately 2–3 times daily.
Black lentil sprouts are generally ready in approximately 2–4 days.
French Green Lentils
French Green Lentil Sprouting Seeds produce substantial, crunchy sprouts with an earthy, mildly peppery and nutty flavour.
Use approximately 3 tablespoons (35g) per 500ml jar, soak for 10–12 hours, then rinse and drain approximately 2–3 times daily.
French Green lentil sprouts are generally ready in approximately 2–4 days, depending on temperature and your preferred root length.
Large Red Lentils
Large Red Lentil Sprouting Seeds are whole red lentils suitable for jar sprouting.
This is an important distinction because many red lentils sold for cooking have been split and dehulled.
For a 500ml jar, start with approximately 3 tablespoons (35g) of dry whole red lentils and soak for approximately 10–12 hours before beginning the regular rinse-and-drain cycle.
Can You Sprout Red Lentils?
Yes — provided they are whole red lentils capable of germinating.
Many red lentils sold for cooking are split and have had their outer seed coat removed. Those familiar orange split lentils will not grow into normal sprouts.
OzSprout's Large Red Lentil Sprouting Seeds are whole lentils suitable for growing as sprouts.
Can You Sprout Green Lentils?
Yes.
Whole green lentils are well suited to jar sprouting when the seed is viable and suitable for edible sprout production.
OzSprout's French Green Lentil Sprouting Seeds are specifically supplied for home sprouting.
Can You Sprout Black Lentils?
Yes.
Whole black lentils can also be sprouted.
OzSprout's Black Lentil Sprouting Seeds – Beluga are small whole lentils that produce distinctive dark-seeded sprouts with emerging white roots.
Do Lentil Sprouts Need Light?
Lentil sprouts don't require the greening stage commonly used for leafy sprouts such as broccoli, alfalfa and red clover.
Keep the jar in a well-ventilated indoor location away from hot direct sunlight.
Good moisture management, drainage and airflow are more important than providing strong light.
Growing Lentil Sprouts in Warm Weather
Warm conditions can cause lentils to germinate more quickly, but they also make good drainage increasingly important.
During warmer Australian weather:
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Drain thoroughly after every rinse.
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Maintain airflow around the sprouting jar.
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Keep the jar away from hot direct sunlight.
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Check the sprouts regularly.
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Rinse more frequently if conditions require it.
Avoid leaving the jar on a hot windowsill or in another location where heat can build up.
Why Aren't My Lentils Sprouting?
If your lentils aren't germinating, consider the following possibilities.
The Lentils Are Split
This is one of the first things to check.
Split lentils cannot develop into normal sprouts because the seed has been divided.
Always use whole lentils suitable for sprouting.
They Need More Time
Germination doesn't happen instantly after soaking.
Continue the normal rinse-and-drain cycle and allow sufficient time for the first roots to emerge.
The Temperature Is Too Cool
Cool conditions can slow germination.
If your growing area is below the preferred temperature range, the sprouts may simply take longer to develop.
The Lentils Are Sitting Too Wet
Sprouts need moisture, but they also need drainage and airflow.
Leaving water sitting at the bottom of the jar or failing to drain thoroughly after rinsing can create poor growing conditions.
The Jar Is Overcrowded
Too many lentils make effective rinsing and drainage more difficult.
Start with approximately 35g per 500ml jar. If you want to grow a larger quantity, use another jar rather than substantially increasing the amount in one jar.
How to Tell if Lentil Sprouts Have Spoiled
Fresh lentil sprouts should have a mild, fresh smell and a firm texture.
Discard the batch if you notice:
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Slime
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A sour, rotten or otherwise unpleasant smell
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Unusual discolouration
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Excessively soft or deteriorating sprouts
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Other obvious signs of spoilage
If you're uncertain about a batch, don't eat it.
Lentil Sprout Food Safety
Lentil sprouts can be eaten raw or cooked. As with other raw seed sprouts, however, there is a food-safety risk because the warm, moist conditions used for germination can also support the growth of harmful bacteria.
Good hygiene is important when growing sprouts at home.
Always:
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Wash your hands before handling sprouts.
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Use clean jars, lids and utensils.
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Use clean, drinking-quality water.
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Drain thoroughly after every rinse.
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Refrigerate harvested sprouts promptly.
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Discard sprouts showing signs of spoilage.
People at greater risk from foodborne illness — including pregnant women, young children, older people and people with weakened immune systems — should follow current Australian food-safety advice regarding raw sprouts.
Cooking sprouts thoroughly reduces the food-safety risk.
How to Wash and Store Lentil Sprouts
When your lentil sprouts are ready:
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Give them a final thorough rinse.
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Remove any damaged or obviously unsprouted lentils.
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Drain thoroughly.
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Allow excess surface moisture to drain or dry.
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Transfer the sprouts to a clean container.
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Refrigerate promptly.
Avoid putting soaking-wet sprouts directly into a sealed storage container.
See How to Harvest, Wash & Store Sprouts After Growing for our complete harvesting and storage method.
How to Use Lentil Sprouts
Lentil sprouts have a crisp texture and mild, earthy flavour that works in both raw and cooked dishes.
Try them in:
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Salads
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Wraps
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Sandwiches
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Grain bowls
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Buddha bowls
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Stir-fries
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Soups
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Curries
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Warm vegetable dishes
They can be eaten raw for a crisp texture or added to cooked dishes.
If cooking them, adding the sprouts toward the end of cooking can help retain more of their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should lentils be soaked before sprouting?
Soak whole lentils for approximately 10–12 hours before draining and beginning the regular rinse-and-drain cycle.
How much lentil seed should I use in a 500ml jar?
Start with approximately 3 tablespoons or 35g of dry whole lentils.
The seeds expand during soaking and germination, so leave plenty of room in the jar.
How often should lentil sprouts be rinsed?
Rinse and thoroughly drain approximately 2–3 times per day.
How long do lentils take to sprout?
Lentils are relatively fast.
Black Beluga and French Green lentil sprouts can generally be harvested in approximately 2–4 days. Exact timing varies with variety, temperature, growing conditions and the root length you prefer.
Can you sprout supermarket lentils?
Some whole, viable lentils may germinate, but many lentils sold primarily for cooking have been split, dehulled, heat-treated or may not have been selected for reliable germination.
For predictable results, use whole seed specifically supplied for edible sprouting.
Can split red lentils be sprouted?
No.
Once a lentil has been split into two halves, it can no longer develop into a normal sprout.
Use whole red lentils with the seed intact.
Can you eat lentil sprouts raw?
Lentil sprouts can be eaten raw or cooked.
Like other raw sprouts, they carry a food-safety risk. Good hygiene during growing and storage is important, and people at greater risk from foodborne illness should follow current Australian food-safety advice regarding raw sprouts.
Do lentil sprouts need sunlight?
They don't require strong sunlight.
Keep them in a well-ventilated location away from hot direct sun. Proper rinsing, drainage, airflow and suitable temperature are more important.
Grow Your Own Lentil Sprouts
Lentils are a simple and quick option for home jar sprouting.
The basic method is:
Measure → soak → drain → rinse → drain → harvest.
For a 500ml jar, approximately 35g (3 tablespoons) of whole lentils is a useful starting quantity. Soak for approximately 10–12 hours, then rinse and thoroughly drain 2–3 times daily until the sprouts reach your preferred stage.
The most important thing is to start with whole lentils suitable for sprouting rather than split lentils intended only for cooking.
Choose from Black Lentil Sprouting Seeds – Beluga, French Green Lentil Sprouting Seeds or Large Red Lentil Sprouting Seeds.
For quantities, soak times and harvest periods for other sprouting varieties, see our Sprouting Seed Guide: Soak Times, Quantities & Harvest Times.