Corn salad seed buying and growing guide

Grow Corn Salad, Mâche and Lamb’s Lettuce

Corn salad is a compact cool-season leafy vegetable grown for its tender dark-green leaves, mild nutty flavour and small rosette-shaped plants. It is also widely known as mâche, lamb’s lettuce and field salad.

Seedmart supplies corn salad mâche seeds for home gardens, raised beds, window boxes, containers, market gardens and commercial baby-leaf production throughout Australia. The crop is botanically classified as Valerianella locusta and is unrelated to sweet corn, despite the common name corn salad.

Corn salad performs best during cool to mild conditions and can tolerate light frost. Harvest the leaves while young for their finest texture, cut complete rosettes at maturity or grow the untreated seed as delicate microgreens and baby leaf.

Why Grow Corn Salad?

Cold-Tolerant Leafy Green

Corn salad grows through cool autumn and winter conditions when many warm-season salad crops are unavailable.

Mild Nutty Flavour

The tender leaves have a delicate, slightly sweet flavour suited to fresh salads, sandwiches and garnishes.

Harvest in 40–60 Days

Young leaves can be picked earlier, while mature compact rosettes are generally ready within several weeks.

Ideal for Small Spaces

Low-growing plants suit pots, troughs, window boxes, raised planters and compact urban gardens.

Microgreen to Mature Rosette

Grow the seed for microgreens, baby leaves, individual leaf picking or complete mature plants.

Packet and Bulk Seed

Choose smaller quantities for household gardens or larger packs for repeated and commercial sowings.

What Is Corn Salad?

Corn salad is a low-growing leafy vegetable that forms small rosettes of smooth, spoon-shaped green leaves. It belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family and is botanically distinct from lettuce, spinach, rocket and sweet corn.

The name “corn salad” comes from its historical tendency to grow as a plant of cultivated grain fields. In older European usage, the word “corn” referred broadly to cereal crops rather than only maize or sweet corn.

Corn salad plants generally produce:

Compact Green Rosettes

Small spoon-shaped leaves develop close to the ground in neat clusters.

Tender Salad Leaves

Young foliage has a soft texture and delicate flavour suited primarily to fresh use.

Cool-Season Growth

The crop establishes and produces best in mild soil and cool air temperatures.

Small Flowering Stems

As temperatures rise, mature plants produce branching stems bearing small pale flowers and seed.

Corn salad is not a salad containing corn kernels. It is the leafy vegetable Valerianella locusta, also known as mâche and lamb’s lettuce.

Why Is It Called Corn Salad?

Corn salad historically grew among cereal crops and around cultivated fields. In European English, “corn” traditionally referred to the principal grain crop of a region rather than specifically to maize.

The plant became known as corn salad because its young leaves were collected and eaten as a salad vegetable.

The name can now cause confusion because modern Australian and North American shoppers generally associate corn with sweet corn.

For clearer identification, the crop may be labelled as:

  • Corn salad
  • Mâche
  • Lamb’s lettuce
  • Field salad
  • Field lettuce
  • Rapunzel
  • Valerianella locusta

Is Corn Salad the Same as Mâche?

Yes. Corn salad and mâche are common names for the same leafy vegetable, Valerianella locusta.

Name Common Usage Meaning
Corn salad English gardening and seed terminology Refers to the plant’s historical association with cultivated grain fields.
Mâche French and culinary terminology Commonly used by chefs, restaurants and specialty salad suppliers.
Lamb’s lettuce British and European usage May refer to the small leaf shape or the plant’s availability during lambing season.
Field salad European gardening terminology Reflects the plant’s traditional occurrence in fields.
Rapunzel German and historical European usage An older regional name associated with edible rosette greens.
The names are interchangeable for this product. Seedmart’s Corn Salad Mâche seed produces Valerianella locusta, the plant also sold as lamb’s lettuce.

Is Corn Salad a Type of Lettuce?

No. Corn salad is often called lamb’s lettuce, but it is not a true lettuce.

True lettuce belongs to the species Lactuca sativa. Corn salad belongs to the species Valerianella locusta.

Corn Salad or Mâche True Lettuce
Botanical name: Valerianella locusta. Botanical name: Lactuca sativa.
Forms compact rosettes of small spoon-shaped leaves. Can form loose leaves, upright heads or dense round heads.
Has a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour. Flavour ranges from mild and sweet to crisp or slightly bitter.
Prefers cool to cold growing conditions. Most lettuce prefers cool to mild conditions but varies by type.
Tolerates light frost well. Frost tolerance varies considerably between lettuce varieties.
Generally harvested as leaves or complete small rosettes. Harvested as baby leaf, individual leaves or complete heads.

Corn Salad vs Spinach

Corn salad and spinach are both cool-season leafy vegetables, but they differ botanically, structurally and in flavour.

Corn Salad English Spinach
Valerianella locusta Spinacia oleracea
Produces small rounded or spoon-shaped leaves. Produces broader smooth, semi-savoy or crinkled leaves.
Has a mild, nutty and slightly sweet flavour. Has a fuller earthy green flavour.
Generally eaten raw in salads and garnishes. Commonly eaten raw when young or cooked when mature.
Forms small compact rosettes approximately 15–20 cm high. Forms larger rosettes with greater individual leaf weight.
Particularly suited to cool winter salad production. Suited to baby leaf, mature leaves and cooked-green markets.

Corn Salad vs Rocket

Corn salad and rocket are both used in fresh salads but provide very different flavours.

Corn Salad Rocket
Mild, nutty and slightly sweet flavour. Peppery, mustard-like and sometimes spicy flavour.
Soft, rounded leaves. Elongated or deeply divided leaves.
Forms compact low rosettes. Forms upright leafy rosettes and later flower stems.
Best suited to delicate salads and garnishes. Provides stronger flavour in salads, pizzas, pasta and sandwiches.
Slow to establish in unsuitable warm soil. Generally germinates and grows rapidly across a broader mild-season window.

What Does Corn Salad Taste Like?

Corn salad has a mild, fresh and slightly sweet flavour with subtle nutty and earthy notes. It is substantially less bitter and peppery than rocket.

Young Leaves

Mild and Tender

Small leaves have a delicate texture suited to salads, sandwiches and garnishes.

Mature Rosettes

Nutty and Full-Flavoured

Larger leaves develop a slightly stronger flavour while remaining relatively mild.

Cool-Grown

Sweet and Succulent

Steady growth through cool conditions generally produces the best texture and flavour.

Heat-Stressed

Firmer and Stronger

Warm weather can reduce tenderness and cause plants to begin flowering.

Fresh Salads

Soft Leaf Base

Corn salad provides a delicate foundation for dressings, nuts, fruit, cheese and vegetables.

Garnishes

Neat Rosette Presentation

Small intact rosettes provide attractive shape and colour on finished dishes.

Can Corn Salad Be Eaten Raw?

Yes. Corn salad is primarily grown as a fresh salad green.

Young leaves and complete small rosettes can be washed and used raw in:

  • Green salads
  • Mixed baby-leaf salads
  • Sandwiches and rolls
  • Wraps
  • Garnishes
  • Cheese and fruit salads
  • Potato salads
  • Grain and pulse bowls

The leaves are delicate and should be dressed shortly before serving to prevent wilting.

How to Grow Corn Salad in Australia

Corn salad is a cool-season annual that grows best in mild soil, moist free-draining ground and full sun to partial shade.

Sow During Cool Weather

Plan crops for autumn, winter and mild spring conditions rather than hot summer production.

Direct-Sow the Seed

Corn salad generally establishes most reliably when sown directly where it will grow.

Maintain Even Moisture

Keep the shallow seedbed consistently moist during germination and leaf development.

Harvest Before Bolting

Pick leaves or complete rosettes before warm weather triggers elongated flowering growth.

Corn salad is naturally adapted to cool conditions. Warm soil can slow or reduce germination, while rising temperatures shorten the harvest period.

When to Plant Corn Salad in Australia

Corn salad is generally planted from late summer through winter. Cool-climate growers can continue sowing into spring while conditions remain mild.

Climate Zone General Sowing Period Growing Notes
Cool February to October Sow from late summer through spring, avoiding waterlogged soil and prolonged warm conditions.
Temperate February to September Autumn and winter provide the most reliable production period.
Subtropical March to August Grow through the coolest months and provide afternoon shade as temperatures rise.
Tropical May to July Use the coolest part of the dry season and select a protected position.
Arid March to August Maintain moisture and protect plants from drying winds and warm afternoon conditions.

These sowing periods are general guides. Local temperature, frost, elevation, humidity and irrigation availability should also be considered.

When to Plant Corn Salad in Australian States and Cities

Location General Planting Guide Key Considerations
Brisbane and South East Queensland March to August Grow through autumn and winter and provide afternoon shade near the beginning and end of the season.
Sydney and coastal New South Wales February to September Autumn and winter crops are reliable where soil remains moist and well drained.
Inland New South Wales February to August Allow for frost while maintaining moisture during dry conditions.
Melbourne and Victoria February to October Cool conditions support a long growing window where drainage remains adequate.
Canberra and cool inland districts February to April and August to October Use autumn and spring windows and protect small seedlings during severe frost.
Adelaide and South Australia March to September Maintain consistent moisture through dry autumn and spring weather.
Perth and south-west Western Australia March to September Autumn and winter generally provide suitable temperatures and seasonal rainfall.
Tasmania February to October Corn salad suits the cool climate, but current Seedmart quarantine restrictions prevent shipment of this product to Tasmania.
Darwin and tropical northern Australia May to July Use the coolest available dry-season window and protect plants from heat.

How to Grow Corn Salad from Seed

Corn salad is generally direct-sown because the plants are compact and can be disturbed by transplanting.

  1. Choose a cool-season planting period.
    Plan the crop so most leaf development occurs before warm weather.
  2. Prepare a fine seedbed.
    Remove weeds and create a loose, level surface in fertile free-draining soil.
  3. Sow shallowly.
    Plant seeds approximately 5–10 mm deep and cover them lightly.
  4. Water gently.
    Use a fine spray so the small seeds remain evenly positioned.
  5. Maintain consistent moisture.
    Do not allow the shallow seedbed to dry during germination.
  6. Thin seedlings.
    Adjust spacing according to whether the crop is intended for baby leaf or mature rosettes.
  7. Control weeds early.
    Corn salad remains low and can be overwhelmed by faster-growing weeds.
  8. Harvest while tender.
    Pick individual leaves, cut baby leaf or remove complete mature rosettes.
Use successive sowing for continuity. Sow smaller batches every two to three weeks rather than relying on one planting for the entire season.

How Deep Should Corn Salad Seeds Be Planted?

Plant corn salad seeds approximately 5–10 mm deep.

Direct Sowing

Corn salad is well suited to direct sowing in its final growing position.

  • Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep
  • Cover lightly with fine soil
  • Firm the row gently
  • Water using a fine spray

Shallow Containers

Use troughs, window boxes or broad pots with suitable drainage.

  • Use fine, moisture-retentive potting mix
  • Distribute seed evenly
  • Avoid burying seed too deeply
  • Protect the surface from drying

How Long Do Corn Salad Seeds Take to Germinate?

Corn salad commonly germinates within approximately 7–14 days under suitable cool conditions.

Soil Temperature

An approximate soil-temperature range of 10–20°C supports reliable establishment.

Moisture

The shallow seedbed should remain consistently moist without becoming waterlogged.

Sowing Depth

Seed planted too deeply may emerge slowly or fail to reach the surface.

Warm Conditions

High soil temperatures can cause slow, irregular or reduced germination.

Does Corn Salad Need Light to Germinate?

Corn salad seed should be covered lightly rather than left completely exposed.

Plant the seed approximately 5–10 mm deep and maintain moisture until seedlings emerge.

After germination, provide bright light to develop compact rosettes.

Insufficient light can produce:

  • Long weak leaf stems
  • Pale foliage
  • Loose rosettes
  • Slow growth
  • Reduced harvest weight

Can Corn Salad Seedlings Be Transplanted?

Yes, but direct sowing is generally simpler and reduces root disturbance.

Where transplanting is required, raise seedlings in small individual cells and move them while young.

When transplanting:

  • Keep the root ball intact
  • Plant during mild conditions
  • Set seedlings at their previous depth
  • Water immediately
  • Protect plants from drying winds
  • Avoid allowing seedlings to become root-bound

How Far Apart Should Corn Salad Be Planted?

Spacing depends on whether the crop is intended for microgreens, baby leaf or mature rosettes.

Harvest Goal Approximate Spacing General Result
Microgreens Dense tray sowing Young seedlings harvested shortly after the cotyledons and first true leaves develop.
Baby leaf Approximately 2–5 cm or densely sown rows High plant population for tender young-leaf cutting.
Small whole rosettes Approximately 5–10 cm Compact young plants suited to salad mixes and garnishes.
Mature rosettes Approximately 10–15 cm Allows plants to develop full clusters of rounded leaves.
Row spacing Approximately 20–25 cm Provides access for weeding, watering and harvest.

How Tall Does Corn Salad Grow?

Corn salad generally forms low rosettes approximately 15–20 cm high before flowering.

Plants grown for baby leaf remain substantially smaller. Once bolting begins, flower stems extend above the rosette and the plant loses its compact salad form.

Plant size is influenced by:

  • Spacing
  • Temperature
  • Light
  • Soil fertility
  • Water availability
  • Harvest stage

Can Corn Salad Be Grown in Pots?

Yes. Corn salad is particularly suitable for pots, troughs, window boxes and raised containers because of its compact root system and low growth habit.

Container Requirements

Use a broad container to maximise the planting area.

  • Allow approximately 15–20 cm of soil depth
  • Provide unrestricted drainage holes
  • Use fertile, moisture-retentive potting mix
  • Choose a position protected from hot drying winds

Container Management

Shallow containers can lose moisture quickly.

  • Check moisture regularly
  • Avoid prolonged waterlogging
  • Thin crowded seedlings
  • Move pots into afternoon shade during warm weather

Does Corn Salad Need Full Sun?

Corn salad grows in full sun to partial shade.

Full sun supports compact growth during cool weather. Partial shade can extend the season and reduce heat stress as temperatures rise.

Heavy shade may result in:

  • Loose elongated growth
  • Pale leaves
  • Slow development
  • Lower harvest weight
  • Extended leaf wetness

In subtropical and warm temperate regions, morning sun with light afternoon shade is often useful.

Watering and Feeding Corn Salad

Corn salad requires even moisture for tender, well-formed leaves.

Water gently and deeply enough to maintain the shallow root zone without saturating the soil.

Corn salad generally benefits from:

  • Fertile soil containing suitable organic matter
  • Consistent moisture during establishment
  • Light balanced feeding where soil is deficient
  • Mulch around widely spaced mature plants
  • Good drainage during prolonged rain
Do not allow the crop to repeatedly dry out. Moisture stress and warm conditions can reduce tenderness and accelerate flowering.

How Long Does Corn Salad Take to Grow?

Corn salad commonly reaches mature harvest approximately 40–60 days after sowing. Microgreens and baby leaves are harvested earlier.

Harvest Stage Typical Period General Characteristics
Microgreens Approximately 14–25 days Fine young shoots with mild mâche flavour.
Baby leaf Approximately 25–40 days Tender young foliage for salad mixes.
Small whole rosettes Approximately 35–50 days Compact plants suitable for garnish and fresh salad packs.
Mature rosettes Approximately 40–60 days Full clusters of rounded leaves for complete-plant harvest.
Flower and seed production Longer than the vegetable harvest period Plants elongate, flower and produce mature seed as conditions warm.

Growing time varies with temperature, soil moisture, plant density, sunlight and preferred harvest size.

How to Harvest Corn Salad

Corn salad can be harvested as individual leaves, baby leaf or complete rosettes.

Harvest Method How It Works Best Suited To
Individual leaf picking Remove selected outside leaves while leaving the central rosette intact. Small household harvests and extended picking.
Baby leaf cutting Cut young foliage above the crown using clean equipment. Salad mixes and dense commercial sowings.
Complete rosette harvest Cut the plant immediately above or just below soil level. Fresh-market packs, garnishes and complete salad rosettes.
Microgreen harvest Cut young seedlings above the growing medium. Restaurants, garnishes and speciality microgreen production.

Harvest during the cooler part of the day where practical and cool the leaves promptly.

Is Corn Salad Cut-and-Come-Again?

Corn salad can provide limited regrowth when the central crown remains undamaged.

Individual outer-leaf picking offers the longest harvest period. Baby-leaf crops may produce another cut when they are harvested above the growing point.

For regrowth:

  • Leave the central crown intact
  • Cut above the growing point
  • Maintain moisture after harvesting
  • Remove damaged foliage
  • Allow new leaves to reach useful size
  • Replace crops once bolting begins

Complete rosette harvesting generally removes the plant and does not provide a second crop.

Can Corn Salad Be Grown as Baby Leaf?

Yes. Corn salad is well suited to baby-leaf production.

Baby-leaf crops are sown more densely than mature rosettes and harvested while the leaves remain small and tender.

For baby leaf:

  • Prepare a clean, level seedbed
  • Sow evenly at relatively high density
  • Maintain consistent moisture
  • Control weeds before they overtake the crop
  • Harvest before plants become crowded or begin bolting
  • Cool and handle the delicate leaves carefully

Can Corn Salad Be Grown as Microgreens?

Yes. Seedmart’s current Corn Salad Mâche seed is untreated and is listed as suitable for microgreen production.

Corn salad microgreens generally require:

  • A clean, fine growing medium
  • Even seed distribution
  • Consistent moisture
  • Cool to mild germination conditions
  • Strong light after emergence
  • Good airflow
  • Careful cutting because of their fine stems
Microgreens and baby leaf are different products. Microgreens are harvested as young seedlings, while baby leaf is grown longer until developed true leaves form.

How to Prepare Corn Salad

Corn salad grows close to the ground and can hold soil around the base of its rosettes.

  1. Inspect the leaves.
    Remove yellow, damaged or heavily soiled foliage.
  2. Separate rosettes where required.
    Open dense clusters so grit can be removed from the centre.
  3. Wash gently.
    Rinse in clean cool water without crushing the delicate leaves.
  4. Repeat if necessary.
    Freshly harvested plants may require more than one rinse.
  5. Dry carefully.
    Use a salad spinner gently or drain the leaves on clean absorbent material.
  6. Dress immediately before serving.
    Prolonged contact with dressing can cause the soft leaves to wilt.

Ways to Use Corn Salad and Mâche

Salads

Fresh Mâche Leaves

Combine corn salad with soft herbs, vegetables, fruit, nuts, cheese and light dressings.

Sandwiches

Tender Leaf Layer

Use small leaves in sandwiches, rolls, wraps and filled baguettes.

Garnishes

Complete Small Rosettes

Use intact rosettes to add shape, colour and delicate flavour to plated dishes.

Potato Salads

Soft Winter Green

Fold the leaves into cooled potato dishes shortly before serving.

Fruit and Cheese

Mild Salad Base

Pair the nutty leaves with pear, apple, citrus, walnuts, soft cheese or blue cheese.

Warm Dishes

Fresh Finishing Leaf

Add the leaves after cooking or allow them to wilt lightly from residual heat.

Can Corn Salad Be Cooked?

Corn salad can be cooked, but its delicate texture makes it better suited to fresh use or very brief wilting.

It may be:

  • Wilted into warm pasta
  • Added to soup immediately before serving
  • Folded into cooked grains
  • Stirred through warm potato dishes
  • Used in omelettes
  • Blended into green sauces

Prolonged cooking can cause the leaves to lose their texture, colour and distinctive mild flavour.

How to Store Fresh Corn Salad

Corn salad leaves are delicate and should be cooled promptly after harvesting.

For household storage:

  • Remove damaged or yellow foliage
  • Protect leaves from crushing
  • Keep the crop refrigerated
  • Control excess surface moisture
  • Use a suitable produce bag or sealed container
  • Wash shortly before use where practical
  • Discard slimy, mouldy or unpleasant-smelling leaves

Complete rosettes may store better than heavily cut or bruised leaves.

Can Corn Salad Be Frozen?

Corn salad is not well suited to freezing for later salad use because the leaves become soft after thawing.

Where frozen, it is best reserved for:

  • Soups
  • Green sauces
  • Cooked fillings
  • Blended dishes
  • Purees

For fresh salads, grow smaller successive crops and use the leaves soon after harvest.

Does Corn Salad Bolt?

Yes. Corn salad begins producing elongated flowering stems as temperatures rise and the plant reaches maturity.

Bolting can be encouraged by:

Warm Weather

Increasing temperatures shorten the cool-season harvest period.

Plant Maturity

Older rosettes naturally progress towards flowering and seed production.

Drought Stress

Repeated drying can reduce leaf quality and accelerate reproduction.

Longer Days

Seasonal changes in light and temperature encourage spring flowering.

Leaves remain edible during early bolting but generally become smaller, firmer and less attractive for fresh-market use.

Does Corn Salad Self-Seed?

Corn salad can self-seed where mature plants are allowed to flower and release viable seed.

To limit unwanted seedlings:

  • Harvest plants before seed develops
  • Remove flower stems before maturity
  • Clear crop residues after the final harvest
  • Monitor the bed during later cool seasons

To encourage natural reseeding, allow selected healthy plants to flower and mature. Seedlings may emerge when cool, moist conditions return.

Is Corn Salad Annual or Perennial?

Corn salad is generally grown as a cool-season annual.

The plant germinates, produces a leafy rosette, flowers and sets seed within one growing cycle.

It does not normally regrow indefinitely from the same crown. Continued supply comes from successive sowing or naturally dropped seed.

Common Corn Salad Growing Problems

Poor Germination

Warm soil, deep sowing, dry seedbeds and waterlogging can reduce emergence.

Weak Seedlings

Low light, crowding and excessive moisture can produce pale, elongated growth.

Early Bolting

Warm weather, drought and plant maturity can shorten the harvest period.

Yellow Leaves

Old foliage, excess water, drought, poor nutrition or disease can cause yellowing.

Damaged Leaves

Slugs, snails and other chewing pests can damage low-growing rosettes.

Dirty Rosettes

Soil splash and low growth can make harvest cleaning more labour intensive.

Common Corn Salad Pests

Corn salad can be affected by slugs, snails, aphids and other small foliage pests.

Management options include:

  • Inspecting young plants regularly
  • Removing hiding places for slugs and snails
  • Watering early enough for the leaf surface to dry
  • Maintaining suitable spacing and airflow
  • Removing damaged foliage
  • Using fine netting where appropriate
  • Using only legally registered crop-protection products according to their labels

What to Plant with Corn Salad

Corn salad can share cool-season gardens with crops that have compatible water and light requirements.

Potential neighbouring crops include:

  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Rocket
  • Radish
  • Spring onions
  • Carrots
  • Beetroot
  • Peas with separate support
  • Brassicas before their leaves create heavy shade

Corn salad can also be used as a short cool-season crop beneath or between slower-growing vegetables.

Can Corn Salad Seed Be Saved?

Yes. Seedmart’s current Corn Salad Mâche variety is open pollinated and can produce seed where plants are allowed to flower and mature.

To save corn salad seed:

  1. Select healthy plants.
    Retain vigorous rosettes with desirable leaf shape and growth.
  2. Allow flowering.
    Plants produce branching stems bearing small pale flowers.
  3. Permit seed to mature.
    Wait until the flowering stems begin drying.
  4. Harvest before excessive shedding.
    Cut mature stems and place them over clean material.
  5. Finish drying.
    Keep the seed heads in a protected, ventilated location.
  6. Clean the seed.
    Remove dry plant fragments and other debris.
  7. Store in cool, dry conditions.
    Label the seed with the crop name and harvest year.

Packet and Bulk Corn Salad Seeds

Home and Small-Scale Growers

Smaller quantities suit household gardens, containers and growers trialling mâche for the first time.

  • Grow winter salad rosettes
  • Harvest baby leaves or mature plants
  • Use pots, troughs and window boxes
  • Make successive cool-season sowings

Market Gardens and Commercial Growers

Larger seed quantities can support scheduled baby-leaf, microgreen and complete-rosette production.

  • Suitable for repeated cool-season sowings
  • Useful for salad mixes and restaurant markets
  • Available in quantities up to 1 kg
  • Compare leaf yield, cleaning labour and post-harvest quality
Compare value by saleable leaf production. Germination, plant density, harvest stage, soil contamination, trimming labour, shelf quality and usable leaf yield all influence the actual production cost.

Important Considerations for Commercial Growers

Commercial corn-salad production requires uniform establishment, clean leaves and a defined harvest stage.

Crop Terminology

Use corn salad, mâche and lamb’s lettuce together so chefs, retailers and consumers can identify the crop.

Harvest Stage

Microgreen, baby leaf and whole-rosette production require different sowing densities and schedules.

Plant Uniformity

Even germination supports consistent rosette size, leaf shape and harvest timing.

Soil Contamination

Low-growing rosettes can collect grit and soil splash, increasing washing and handling requirements.

Bolting Risk

Warm conditions can rapidly shorten the harvest window and reduce saleable quality.

Post-Harvest Cooling

The delicate leaves should be cooled promptly and protected from wilting, crushing and excess moisture.

Conduct local production trials before large sowings. Germination, leaf size, rosette uniformity, bolting, shelf life and saleable yield can vary with temperature, planting density, soil and irrigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is corn salad?

Corn salad is the cool-season leafy vegetable Valerianella locusta, grown for small tender leaves with a mild nutty flavour.

Is corn salad made from corn?

No. The corn salad plant is unrelated to sweet corn. Its name comes from its historical association with cultivated grain fields.

Is corn salad the same as mâche?

Yes. Corn salad and mâche are names for the same plant, Valerianella locusta.

Is corn salad the same as lamb’s lettuce?

Yes. Lamb’s lettuce is another common name for corn salad or mâche.

Is corn salad a type of lettuce?

No. Corn salad is not a true lettuce. True lettuce is Lactuca sativa, while corn salad is Valerianella locusta.

What does corn salad taste like?

Corn salad has a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour with soft, tender leaves.

Can corn salad be eaten raw?

Yes. It is primarily eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, wraps and garnishes.

Can corn salad be cooked?

Yes, but it is delicate and is best wilted briefly or added to warm dishes immediately before serving.

How do you grow corn salad from seed?

Direct-sow the seed approximately 5–10 mm deep in cool, moist, free-draining soil and thin the seedlings according to the intended harvest.

When should corn salad be planted in Australia?

Corn salad is generally planted from late summer through winter. Cool-climate growers can continue sowing into spring.

When should corn salad be planted in Brisbane?

Around Brisbane, corn salad is generally best sown from March to August for autumn and winter production.

When should corn salad be planted in Melbourne?

Around Melbourne, corn salad can generally be sown from February through October while conditions remain cool.

How deep should corn salad seeds be planted?

Plant corn salad seed approximately 5–10 mm deep and cover it lightly with fine soil.

How long do corn salad seeds take to germinate?

Corn salad commonly germinates within approximately 7–14 days under suitable cool conditions.

What temperature does corn salad need to germinate?

An approximate soil-temperature range of 10–20°C supports reliable germination.

Can corn salad seedlings be transplanted?

Yes, but direct sowing is generally simpler. Transplant seedlings while young and keep the root ball intact.

How far apart should corn salad be planted?

Mature rosettes are generally spaced approximately 10–15 cm apart, with rows around 20–25 cm apart.

How tall does corn salad grow?

Corn salad generally forms compact rosettes approximately 15–20 cm high before flowering.

Can corn salad be grown in pots?

Yes. Corn salad grows well in pots, window boxes, troughs and raised containers with adequate moisture and drainage.

Does corn salad need full sun?

Corn salad grows in full sun to partial shade. Afternoon shade can help extend the season in warmer climates.

How long does corn salad take to grow?

Mature rosettes are generally ready approximately 40–60 days after sowing. Baby leaves and microgreens are harvested earlier.

How do you harvest corn salad?

Pick individual outside leaves, cut baby leaf above the crown or harvest the complete mature rosette near soil level.

Is corn salad cut-and-come-again?

It can provide limited regrowth when harvested above the crown or picked leaf by leaf. Complete rosette harvesting removes the plant.

Can corn salad be grown as baby leaf?

Yes. Sow more densely and harvest the leaves while they remain small and tender.

Can corn salad be grown as microgreens?

Yes. Seedmart’s current seed is untreated and is listed as suitable for microgreen production.

How should corn salad be washed?

Separate dense rosettes, rinse gently in clean cool water and dry carefully without crushing the leaves.

How should fresh corn salad be stored?

Refrigerate promptly in a suitable container or produce bag and protect the delicate leaves from crushing and excess moisture.

Can corn salad be frozen?

It can be frozen for cooked or blended dishes, but thawed leaves are unsuitable for fresh salads.

Does corn salad tolerate frost?

Yes. Corn salad is cold tolerant and can withstand light frost once established.

Does corn salad bolt?

Yes. Rising temperatures, longer days, plant maturity and moisture stress can trigger flowering.

Does corn salad self-seed?

Yes. Plants allowed to flower and produce mature seed can generate volunteer seedlings during later cool conditions.

Is corn salad annual or perennial?

Corn salad is generally grown as a cool-season annual.

Why is my corn salad not germinating?

Warm soil, deep sowing, a dry seedbed, waterlogging or poor seed-to-soil contact can reduce germination.

Why is my corn salad flowering?

Warm weather, longer days, drought stress and plant maturity commonly cause corn salad to bolt.

Why are my corn salad leaves turning yellow?

Possible causes include old foliage, waterlogging, drought, poor nutrition, root stress or disease.

What can be planted with corn salad?

Corn salad can share beds with lettuce, spinach, rocket, radish, spring onions, carrots, beetroot, peas and young brassicas.

Can corn salad seed be saved?

Yes. Allow healthy open-pollinated plants to flower and produce fully mature dry seed.

Is Seedmart Corn Salad Mâche seed chemically treated?

The current product is identified as having no chemical treatment. Check the product specifications before each order because seed lots can change.

Is Seedmart Corn Salad Mâche open pollinated?

Yes. The current product is identified as open pollinated and non-hybrid.

How many corn salad seeds are in one gram?

The current product specification lists approximately 600 seeds per gram.

What quantities of corn salad seed are available?

The current product is available in 25 g, 100 g and 1 kg quantities.

Can Seedmart corn salad seed be shipped to Tasmania?

The current product page states that this seed is not shipped to Tasmania because of quarantine restrictions.

Corn salad, mâche and lamb’s lettuce seeds for Australian growers

Grow Corn Salad in Packet or Bulk Quantities

Seedmart supplies Corn Salad Mâche seed for household gardens, pots, raised beds, market gardens, restaurants and commercial leafy-green production. Grow this cool-season Valerianella locusta crop for delicate microgreens, tender baby leaves and compact mature rosettes with a mild nutty flavour.

Review the product page for current pack sizes, seed treatment, specifications, quarantine restrictions and ordering information before purchasing.