Lamb's Lettuce

valerianella discoidea

Also known as: ["Corn Salad","Mâche"]

Family: Caprifoliaceae Genus: Valerianella Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A small, low-growing annual plant with tender, succulent leaves, often used as a salad green.

Benefits & Perks

["edible fruits","culinary herb","aesthetic foliage","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Genus: Valerianella
Botanical Name: Valerianella discoidea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a location with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Edible Gardeners Fragrance Lovers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Loamy, fertile soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed; typically light pruning in spring or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in cooler climates; partial shade in hot regions.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or mold on soil surface indicate poor soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Avoid direct afternoon sun in summer; rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth if needed.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water evenly, avoid waterlogging, and ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; enrich with organic matter.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates light frost.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain consistent cool conditions.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Do not over-fertilize; apply fertilizer to moist soil; stop fertilizing before winter.

Propagation

Methods

Seed propagation is most common and straightforward.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Sow seeds shallowly.
  2. Keep soil moist.
  3. Thin seedlings when true leaves appear.
  4. Transplant outdoors after last frost.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.

Environment

Warm (65–70°F or 18–21°C), bright indirect light, and consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining seed-starting mix or fine compost.

Hormone

Not required for seeds.

Timeline

Germination in 7–14 days; mature plant in 30–60 days.

Tools Needed

Seed trays, potting mix, watering can, labels.

Quick Tips

Sow seeds in clusters; thin to 6–8 inches apart; keep soil consistently moist.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip off dead or yellowing leaves; trim back leggy growth to encourage bushiness.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage.

Tools

Pruning shears, scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; remove dead/damaged parts; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot with good drainage holes.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.

Suggestions

Generally not required unless grown in containers; repot if roots are crowded or soil is depleted.

Checklist

Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature bolting in extreme heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide frost protection; move to a warmer location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or bolt prematurely; reduced germination rates.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in late summer/autumn.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Valerianella discoidea can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a symptom of water stress, either due to overwatering or underwatering.

Wilting in Valerianella discoidea is typically a sign of water stress, often caused by insufficient soil moisture or root damage that impairs water uptake.

Leaf spots on Valerianella discoidea may be caused by fungal pathogens like Alternaria or Cercospora, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf loss.

Rotting, particularly root or crown rot, in Valerianella discoidea is often associated with excessive soil moisture, poor drainage, or fungal infections such as Pythium or Fusarium.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Valerianella discoidea is not considered toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk when ingested by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Cats can safely consume this plant in moderation, but excessive intake may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Valerianella discoidea is not considered toxic to dogs. It is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Dogs can safely consume this plant in moderation, but excessive intake may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Humans
Non-toxic

Valerianella discoidea, commonly known as corn salad or lamb's lettuce, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is often consumed as a leafy green in salads and other culinary preparations.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While generally safe for consumption, individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lamb's Lettuce safe for pets?

A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Can Lamb's Lettuce be grown in partial shade?

A: Yes, it tolerates partial shade well.

Q: What are the common uses of Lamb's Lettuce?

A: It is primarily used as a fresh salad green.

Quick Reference
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","edible gardeners","fragrance lovers"]
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