Mâche (Corn Salad) in Zone 10a & 10b
Valerianella locusta
When to plant mâche (corn salad) in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Mâche (Corn Salad) doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jan 2–Jan 9 |
| Estimated harvest | Feb 21–Feb 28 (~50 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-4 in.

Mâche, also called corn salad or lamb's lettuce, is a mild, nutty winter salad green with an unusual quirk: it prefers cold over heat, and its seed goes dormant above 70°F rather than simply germinating slowly.
How mâche (corn salad) fits zone 10's season
Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Mâche (Corn Salad) needs about 50 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Mâche (Corn Salad).
Where to buy mâche seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing mâche (corn salad)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Mâche (Corn Salad) in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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