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 indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 2–May 9 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 21–Jun 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 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 →
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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 3b 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 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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