Planting and Growing Guide for Lamb's Lettuce (Valerianella locusta)
Description
Lamb's Lettuce, also known as Corn Salad or Mache is a fast growing annual with leaves that resemble those of young lettuce. Lamb's Lettuce has a mild flavor with a slightly 'nutty' and spicy taste. The young leaves are best and the older ones can be bitter. Keep the plants growing vigorously to ensure the leaves are tender. There are many varieties to choose from. You may be able to find seed for autumn (fall) varieties with soft, light green leaves. There are also robust winter varieties with firmer, dark green leaves. Select the varieties that do best in your area. Lamb's Lettuce can be added to salads, and it can be eaten raw or when lightly cooked by steaming or in stir-fries.Lamb's Lettuce prefers cooler areas. Lamb's Lettuce grows quickly in well watered, freely draining soil that has been enriched with compost, manure or fertiliser. Feed regularly during the growing season. Leaves can be grown continuously. Plant in batches several weeks apart to harvest over a long period of time. Plant Lamb's Lettuce in early spring for an early summer harvest . Plant again in Autumn (fall) for an early winter harvests. Seeds sprout best in cool, moist soil. Seeds germinate in about 7-21 days and expect only about 75% of seeds to germinate. Plant more than you need as thin when the seedlings are established. To harvest, bunch several leaves together and cut off with a sharp knife so as not to damage the main stem.Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow seed 1 cm (1/2 inch) deep in seed trays. Plant out after 4-6 weeks when frosts have ceased.Lamb's Lettuce can handle mild frosts but they cause growth checks. Sow seed directly into the garden once the soil is warm. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days, depending on the variety.
Space between plants: Space plants about 5-10 cm (2-3 inches) apart. Allow 15 to 20 cm (6 to 9 inches) between rows.
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 5-8 weeks, but can be harvested continuously by picking the young leaves
Hints:
- Does best in full or half sun
- Feed regularly with liquid fertiliser or well-rotted manure as plants grow
- Does best in rich, well-drained soil with neutral to slightly acid pH
- Surround the base of each plant with layer of mulch, to inhibit weed growth and to keep the soil moist in warm weather.
- Does not grow in hot weather and so grow in milder months
- Plant seed in batches under support every few weeks to get a continuous supply
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!