Planting and Growing Guide for Mache (Valerianella locusta)

Description

Mache, also known as Corn Salad or Lamb's lettuce is a fast growing annual with leaves that resemble those of young lettuce. Mache 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. Select the varieties that do best in your area for the season you want to grow them. It is added to salads, and it can be eaten raw or when lightly cooked by steaming or in stir-fries. Mache prefers cooler areas. It 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 Mache 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. Mache 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

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