Valerianella locusta, commonly known as Corn Salad, Lamb’s Lettuce, or Mâche, is a small annual plant cherished for its soft texture, dark green color, and distinctive nutty flavor. This leafy green vegetable is a staple in many kitchens around the world, particularly in salads, where its tender leaves provide a mild, nutty bite. It’s also known by several other names, such as Feldsalat, Nut Lettuce, Field Salad, and Fetticus, with regional variations like Doucette or Raiponce in French culinary circles and Nüsslisalat or Nüssler in German-speaking Switzerland.
Ideal for Gourmet Salads
Corn Salad is often served in fine dining establishments as a delicious, fresh salad green. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of ingredients, such as chopped hard-boiled eggs and crumbled bacon, to create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether tossed in a simple vinaigrette or mixed with other greens, it adds a nutty, smooth texture that enhances any salad.
Easy to Grow & Hardy in Cool Seasons
This low-growing, hardy plant is perfect for cooler climates and thrives well in USDA hardiness zones 5 and above. In mild winters, Corn Salad can even be grown as a winter green, making it a great option for year-round harvests in areas with mild temperatures. The plant grows in a rosette formation, with leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long, providing a steady yield for your home garden.
Flowering & Seed Production
While Corn Salad is primarily cultivated for its leaves, in warm conditions, the plant will naturally bolt (flower and go to seed). The flowers, which are small and bluish-white, cluster in cymes and are typically only 1.5 to 2 mm long. The fertilized flowers produce small seeds, which are later harvested to grow new plants.
Versatility in the Garden and Kitchen
Corn Salad’s adaptability makes it a favorite for home gardeners. It is relatively easy to grow, requiring only full sun and well-drained soil. It’s often sown directly in the ground, where it quickly establishes itself as a robust green. For those living in milder climates, this plant can also be grown as a winter crop, providing a reliable source of fresh greens even in colder months.
Naturalized and Widely Available
Native to parts of Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia, Corn Salad is a resilient plant that has naturalized across both the eastern and western seaboards of North America. It grows well in cultivated lands, field edges, and even waste spaces. In fact, it has become a common weed in some regions due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in diverse environments.
A French Specialty
In the Nantes region of France, Corn Salad is particularly famous and is the primary producer of the widely-known Mâche (French-style corn salad). Cultivated primarily for its edible, tender leaves, it has gained popularity as a premium green for high-end culinary use.
Product Details
This pack contains high-quality, non-GMO seeds, ready to be grown into your very own supply of delicious Corn Salad. Whether you're growing it for culinary use or simply adding it to your garden for its charm and texture, this leafy green offers both beauty and utility. The 25g pack provides enough seeds to cultivate a generous amount of Lamb’s Lettuce—ideal for fresh homegrown salads, garnishes, or healthful snacks.
How to Grow:
Transform your garden with the addition of Corn Salad (Lamb’s Lettuce)—a perfect blend of taste, nutrition, and gardening ease. Grow this popular salad green and enjoy the fresh, nutty flavor in your dishes all season long!