Mâche (Corn Salad) in Zone 2a & 2b
Valerianella locusta
When to plant mâche (corn salad) in zone 2b
Zones 2a and 2b 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 | Apr 22–Apr 29 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 11–Jun 18 (~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 2's season
Zone 2b's frost-free window runs about 104 days, from May 20 to September 1. 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 →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
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 2b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

Pin this for later
Growing Mâche (Corn Salad) in USDA zone 2b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest