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 indoorsNot typically started indoors
Direct sow / transplant outsideJan 18–Jan 25
Estimated harvestMar 9–Mar 16 (~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 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 →

Growing Mâche (Corn Salad) in USDA zone 9b

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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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