Vegetable · Caprifoliaceae family
corn salad
Valerianella locusta
In short a 10-second read
Corn salad (vegetable) grows to 0.05–0.15 m tall and 0.08–0.15 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Sow in March–April, September. Harvest in December–April.
× spread 0.08–0.15 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, humus-rich, sandy
Soil pH 6–7
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
harvest regularly (as needed)
Sowing
direct sowing: March–April, September
Harvest
December–April
Winter protection
mulch the crown
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: mulch the crown.
- Mulch the crown
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow corn salad?
In March–April, September (direct sowing).
When is corn salad harvested?
In December–April.
Does corn salad tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does corn salad need?
At maturity 0.08–0.15 m wide and 0.05–0.15 m tall; recommended spacing 10 cm.
Does corn salad survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: mulch the crown.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (4)
- Utah State University Extension — How to Grow Lamb's Lettuce in Your Garden
- UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County — Mâche / Corn Salad
- Wikidata (CC0) — Valerianella locusta
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU
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