Valerianella locusta is a tender salad green that grows best in cool weather. Mâche is an annual plant that grows wild in many areas. One of the common names, "corn salad," derives from its tendency to grow wild in corn fields. There are also several mâche varieties with larger leaves and sweeter flavors that have been bred for backyard gardening.Mâche grows in low rosettes of elongated, dark green leaves up to 4 inches long. Although technically hardy in zone 5 to 8, where it will over-winter, this short-lived plant is typically grown as an annual in all zones.There are two types of mâche from which to choose: large-seeded and ​small-seeded. The small-seeded varieties only grow well only in cool weather, while the larger-seeded varieties can withstand the initial heat of summer and may resist bolting well into June.Mâche is usually sown by seed in late fall or early spring. In warmer climates, it may serve as a winter crop. Leaves can be harvested at any time, but the plant will fully mature and will complete its life cycle in just 40 to 70 days.
Corn Salad Care
Valerianella Locusta
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Humidity
Normal
Lighting
Part Sun
Temperature
10°C - 21°C
Hardiness zone
5 - 8
Difficulty
Medium
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Water regularly in the early morning hours. If the plant is exposed to full sun, water more frequently.
Fertilizer
Because the growing season for mache is so short, no fertilizer is necessary. If the soil needs nutrients, add well-rotted compost or manure before planting, which will provide nutrients for healthy growth. Pale leaves indicate a need for nutrients.
Sunlight
When grown early in the spring, full sun exposure will help warm the soil and get the plants up and growing. As the days get warmer, the plants will appreciate partial shade, especially in the afternoon.
Soil
Mâche will grow just about anywhere and in any soil. It does need good drainage and tends to grow more leaves in a soil that is rich in compost or other organic matter. It prefers a soil pH that ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (6.5 to 7.0)
Temperature
As a cool-season crop, mâche can withstand temperatures down to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for seeds to germinate, it needs soil temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
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