Milletleaf
valerianella radiata
Also known as: ["corn salad","lamb's lettuce"]
Overview
A small, annual herb with tender leaves, often used in salads for its mild, nutty flavor.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","culinary herb","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Valerianella |
| Botanical Name: | Valerianella radiata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- 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: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Loamy, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; after flowering or when plants look untidy.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on outdoor/indoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
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 content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mulch lightly to retain moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); prefers cooler nights.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; maintain consistent cool nights; protect from extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering; stop before bolting; use organic options for gentle feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation; direct sow or start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly, keep moist, thin seedlings, and transplant when true leaves appear.
Best Time: Early spring for outdoor sowing; late winter for indoor starts.
Environment
Warm (65–70°F/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 30–45 days.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, soil, water spray bottle, labels.
Quick Tips
Sow densely for microgreens; use bottom heat for faster germination; thin seedlings early.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead or yellowing leaves; trim back straggly stems.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain health.
Tools
Clean scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead growth, avoid over-pruning, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
N/A (grown as annuals or direct-sown).
Pot Size
N/A
Method
N/A (grown in garden beds or containers without repotting).
Suggestions
Not typically required; direct sow or thin seedlings as needed.
Checklist
N/A
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.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; ensure loose, friable texture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature bolting.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback in frost.
Solution: Provide frost protection, move indoors, or use row covers in cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, bolt prematurely, or develop heat stress spots.
Solution: Provide shade, increase watering, and improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage, dilute correctly, apply to soil, avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicValerianella radiata is not considered toxic to cats when ingested in small to moderate amounts. It is not known to cause adverse effects in felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in normal quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicValerianella radiata is not considered toxic to dogs when ingested in small to moderate amounts. It is not known to cause adverse effects in canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in normal quantities
Humans
Non-toxicValerianella radiata, commonly known as corn salad or lamb's lettuce, is generally considered non-toxic to humans when consumed in typical culinary amounts. It is a leafy green vegetable often used in salads and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in normal quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Valerianella radiata safe for pets?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How should I grow Valerianella radiata?
A: Sow seeds directly in well-drained soil in partial shade, keeping the soil consistently moist.
Q: Can Valerianella radiata be eaten raw?
A: Yes, its tender leaves are commonly used in salads.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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