Mâche (Corn Salad) in Zone 3a & 3b

Valerianella locusta

When to plant mâche (corn salad) in zone 3b

Zones 3a and 3b 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 indoorsNot typically started indoors
Direct sow / transplant outsideMay 2–May 9
Estimated harvestJun 21–Jun 28 (~50 days after direct-sowing)

Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-4 in.

Mâche (Corn Salad)
Photo: AnRo0002 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0, cropped.

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 3's season

Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. 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 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

Growing Mâche (Corn Salad) in USDA zone 3b

Pin this for later

Growing Mâche (Corn Salad) in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

Save to Pinterest