Mâche (Corn Salad) in Zone 5a & 5b
Valerianella locusta
When to plant mâche (corn salad) in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 12–Apr 19 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 1–Jun 8 (~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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 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 5b 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 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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