Corn Salad, Mache, Field Salad
valerianella locusta
Also known as: ["Corn Salad","Mache","Field Salad","Lamb's Lettuce"]
Overview
A small, leafy green plant with tender leaves, often used in salads for its mild, nutty flavor.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","culinary herb","aesthetic foliage","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Valerianella |
| Botanical Name: | Valerianella locusta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in cooler climates, or indoor pot in warmer regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Loamy, fertile soil with good organic matter; well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed for harvesting; remove flowering stems immediately when they appear.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; primarily harvesting leaves, occasional removal of flower stalks.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate seedlings gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plants for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; provide morning sun and afternoon shade.
Watering
every 5–7 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water evenly to avoid stress; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacted soil; ensure even watering for tender roots.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–70°F or 15–21°C); prefers cooler growing conditions; sensitive to extreme heat.
Use shade cloth in summer; mulch to regulate soil temperature; plant in spring or fall for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; use organic options like compost tea for gentle feeding; stop fertilizing before harvest.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation; direct sowing or indoor starting 4–6 weeks before last frost.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
- Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart.
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Harvest as needed.
Best Time: Early spring for outdoor sowing; late winter for indoor starting under grow lights.
Environment
Warm (65–70°F or 18–21°C), bright location with consistent moisture; protect from strong winds or heavy rain.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or fine compost; can be sown directly in garden soil.
Hormone
Not required for seeds.
Timeline
Germination in 7–14 days; harvest in 4–6 weeks for baby leaves; full maturity in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays or garden bed, watering can, thinning scissors, labels.
Quick Tips
Sow succession plantings every 2 weeks for continuous harvest; keep soil consistently moist for germination; harvest outer leaves first to extend productivity.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip leaves with clean scissors or shears; pinch off flower buds by hand if necessary.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on harvesting outer leaves to encourage new growth; remove any flowering stems to prolong leaf production.
Tools
Sharp scissors or garden shears, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; harvest outer leaves first; remove flower stalks promptly; avoid overharvesting young plants.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
N/A; sow new plants each season.
Pot Size
N/A; plant in a container with at least 6–8 inches of depth for root development.
Method
N/A; direct sow or transplant seedlings if starting indoors.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted; grown as an annual crop in garden beds or containers.
Checklist
N/A; ensure proper spacing in garden or container.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; increase frequency during hot, dry periods; reduce in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bolting (premature flowering) in excessive heat; slow growth or rot in cold conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root damage, and increases susceptibility to fungal diseases; can lead to bolting if exposed to prolonged cold.
Solution: Provide frost protection with row covers or cloches; plant in a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Causes wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced germination; may bolt prematurely, reducing leaf yield.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; plant in well-draining soil to avoid heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves; fertilize during growing season only.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 3–4 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicValerianella locusta is not considered toxic to cats. It can be safely included in a cat's diet in moderation as a source of vitamins and minerals.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicValerianella locusta is not considered toxic to dogs. It can be safely included in a dog's diet in moderation as a source of vitamins and minerals.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicValerianella locusta, commonly known as corn salad or lamb's lettuce, is a nutritious leafy green that is widely consumed as a salad vegetable. It is not known to possess any significant toxic properties.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Corn Salad easy to grow?
A: Yes, it is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.
Q: Can Corn Salad be eaten raw?
A: Yes, its tender leaves are commonly used in salads.
Q: Does Corn Salad attract wildlife?
A: It is not particularly known for attracting wildlife, but it is safe for pets and humans.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 5–7 days, allowing soi |
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