Mâche (Corn Salad) in Zone 9a & 9b
Valerianella locusta
When to plant mâche (corn salad) in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 18–Jan 25 |
| Estimated harvest | Mar 9–Mar 16 (~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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 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 9b 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 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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