Toothed cornsalad
Valerianella dentata · Caprifoliaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant toothed cornsalad: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Form
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Foliage
- Deciduous, tender green
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy, tolerates frost
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and South-West Asia
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-draining during growth. Water regularly if there are prolonged dry spells, especially in spring. Reduce watering in winter if the plant persists. Avoid excess water that promotes root rot.
Light exposure
Prefer a sunny or partially shaded location. Corn salad tolerates bright conditions well but appreciates light shade in warm climates. It also develops correctly under partial shade from an orchard or woodland area.
Soil
Grow it in fertile, light and well-structured soil, slightly alkaline to neutral. Soil rich in organic matter promotes better growth. Loosen the ground before sowing and remove stones to facilitate seedling development.
Fertiliser
A application of well-decomposed compost at planting time is generally sufficient. For container growing, balanced fertiliser diluted every 3-4 weeks supports vigour. Prefer organic inputs to concentrated chemical fertilisers.
Pruning and harvesting
Pinch young plants to encourage bushier branching and more abundant harvest. Harvest leaves regularly from the base to stimulate growth and extend the production period. Remove unwanted flowers if you want to favour leaf production.
Diseases and pests
Corn salad is generally robust. Watch for slugs and snails, particularly in humid climates, which damage young leaves. Excess humidity can promote leaf spots; ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage.
Did you know?
Toothed corn salad, also called lamb's lettuce or mâche in some regions, has been cultivated since the Middle Ages as a winter salad in Europe. Its remarkable ability to germinate and grow rapidly in cold climates made it a valuable plant for subsistence gardens, particularly appreciated in northern Italy and France.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.