A process has been developed to dehull the red lentils without splitting the grain which results in a more attractive product. The seed size of red lentils is not as important as the seed shape, which determines the ease of dehulling and split yield. A round seed shape is preferred for splitting. They will grow well on soils with textures ranging from heavy clay to loamy sand and cope well with conditions of moderate to low fertility. Lentils will not tolerate waterlogging or saline conditions and growth is generally poor in acid soils.
Lentils are poor competitors so weed free conditions are essential.
They have been successfully direct drilled into cereal stubble on 50cm rows in New South Wales, but commercial growers in the southern states generally sow on narrow rows into a prepared seed bed. Lentil seedlings emerge rapidly and should be visible within a week. A well drained, even paddock, free of sticks and stones is essential for successful harvest because the plants are short. It may be worthwhile rolling the seed bed after sowing to make harvesting easier. Later sowing is not recommended as plant growth is reduced.