Corn Salad

Valerianella locusta
Corn Salad’s name derives from its origins as a weed growing in cornfields. It is an annual, cool season crop and frost hardy. It forms a rosette of dark green leaves. Easy to grow and a pleasant alternative to lettuce for salads, with a delicate, nutty flavour. It can also be cooked for use in soups and omelettes and as a spinach substitute. A good source of vitamins C and A. Sow from late summer in temperate areas and late autumn in subtropical areas. It is very unlikely to do well in tropical areas. Soil temperature needs to be 10 – 21°C for good germination. Grow it in full sun to partial shade. It requires fertile, well drained soil with a pH 6 – 7. It is a heavy feeder so add compost. Keep the soil moist and the plants mulched. Protect well from snails and slugs.