Mâche, also known as Corn Salad or Lamb’s Lettuce, is a cold-hardy, nutty-flavored leafy green traditionally grown in fall and winter gardens. With its tender rosettes and mild flavor, it’s ideal for gourmet salads and overwintering in cool climates.

Quick Facts

• Botanical name: Valerianella locusta

• Common names: Mâche, Corn Salad, Lamb’s Lettuce, Field Lettuce

• Plant type: Cool-season annual

• Days to maturity: 45–60 days

• Height: 4–6 inches

• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

• Hardiness zones: USDA 4–9

• Spacing: 4–6 inches apart

When to Plant

• Fall: Best time to plant in most regions. Sow 6–8 weeks before first frost.

• Early spring: Sow as soon as the ground is workable; it thrives in cold soil.

• Winter: Can overwinter in unheated greenhouses or cold frames.

• Germination time: 7–14 days at 50–65°F (10–18°C)

How to Plant

1. Soil preparation: Loose, fertile, well-drained soil with added compost.

2. Sowing depth: 1/4 inch deep.

3. Direct sowing: Recommended. Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart for full-sized rosettes.

4. Watering: Keep evenly moist; do not let soil dry out completely.

Growing Tips

• Avoid hot weather — mâche will bolt quickly in spring heat.

• For a continuous harvest, sow successively every 2 weeks.

• Shade in early spring can help prolong the season.

• Very frost-hardy — can survive down to 5°F (-15°C) with minimal protection.

Harvesting

• Baby greens: Ready in 30–35 days; cut outer leaves or harvest whole rosettes.

• Full rosettes: Harvest at 45–60 days by cutting at the base.

• Flavor: Nutty, buttery, and tender — great for raw use or gentle wilting.

Companion Plants

Pairs well with other cool-weather crops like spinach, arugula, radishes, and carrots. Avoid heavy feeders that might outcompete it.

Why Grow Mâche?

Mâche is one of the best winter greens: easy to grow, nutrient-rich, and rarely bothered by pests. It thrives when little else will grow and adds a gourmet touch to salads with its soft texture and subtle flavor.