Mâche, also known as Corn Salad or Lamb’s Lettuce, is a cool-weather green that will impress you with its delicate, nutty flavor and tender, juicy leaves. This easy-to-grow heirloom is perfect for salads, pairing wonderfully with hazelnut or walnut oil, and complements sharper greens like endive and arugula. For a French twist, try adding sliced hard-boiled eggs or roasted beets to your Mâche salad, or lightly braise it as you would spinach—the possibilities are endless! Rich in Vitamin C, Mâche is an excellent green to include in your diet, especially during the cooler months.
Mâche has a storied history, dating back to the Stone Age in Switzerland. It was highly valued in 17th century England and France for its ability to thrive in cold weather when other greens would freeze. Known in France as "mâche," it was famously cultivated in the personal gardens of Louis XIV. This tender green first gained popularity in America in the 1970s, thanks to a grower in the Salinas Valley of California, and has since become a beloved addition to salad mixes.
* SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILED GROWING INFO *
All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
• Heirloom
• Organic
• Non-GMO
• Open Pollinated
• Untreated
• US Grown
• growing instructions included
• Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
• NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
• All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
• FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat Rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.
* DIRECTIONS *
Common Names: Mâche, Corn Salad, Lamb’s Lettuce, Valerianella locusta
Latin Name: Valerianella locusta
Type: Leafy Green
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 4 - 9
Stratification: Not required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Moisture: Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0
Height: 4-6 inches
Spread: 6-8 inches
Color: Light green leaves
Bloom Season: N/A (grown for leaves, not flowers)
Companion Plants: Suitable for planting with carrots, onions, and radishes. Helps with soil moisture retention.
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets
Climate Adaptability: Adaptable to a range of climates within its USDA zones; thrives in cool weather and can tolerate light frosts
~ Sowing ~
When to Start Inside: 4-6 weeks before your average last frost date.
When to Start Outside: Sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring or late summer for a fall crop. For continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks.
Planting Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Light and Temperature: Mâche prefers cooler temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C). It can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates, to prevent bolting.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days.
~ Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors ~
Timing: Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 4-6 true leaves and after the risk of frost has passed.
Location: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. In warmer climates, partial shade can help prevent bolting.
Spacing: Space plants 4-6 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.
Transplanting: Gently transplant seedlings into the prepared soil, ensuring the root ball is covered and the plant is stable. Water well after planting.
~ Growing ~
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
Fertilizing: Mâche benefits from a balanced fertilizer or compost worked into the soil before planting. A light side-dressing of compost or fertilizer can be applied during the growing season.
Pest and Disease Management: Monitor for pests such as slugs and snails. Use organic pest control methods such as diatomaceous earth. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Maintenance: Harvest leaves as needed by cutting them off at the base of the plant. This will encourage new growth and extend the harvest period.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest: Mâche can be harvested when the leaves are full-sized but still tender, typically 40-50 days after sowing.
How to Harvest: Pick outer leaves as needed, or cut the entire rosette at the base. For baby greens, harvest when the leaves are young and tender.
Drying and Storing: Mâche is best used fresh. For short-term storage, keep harvested leaves in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container.
~ Seed Saving ~
Allow one or two plants to bolt and produce seeds. Once the flower heads have dried, collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place for future planting.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators: N/A (Mâche is grown for its leaves, not flowers)
Origin: Native to Europe, particularly Switzerland, with a rich history dating back to the Stone Age.
Nomenclature: The genus name "Valerianella" refers to the plant’s similarity to valerian in appearance, while "locusta" is a reference to its low-growing, clump-forming habit.
History: Known as "lamb's lettuce" and "corn salad," Mâche was cultivated in the gardens of Louis XIV and became popular in the United States in the 1970s.
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic and safe for consumption by humans and pets.
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in cooler temperatures and can be grown in spring and fall in most regions. In warmer climates, it may require partial shade and more frequent watering to prevent bolting.
