When to Plant Mâche in Des Moines, Iowa (50321)

Location

Des Moines, Iowa

ZIP Code

50321

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

Pro tip: Sow Mâche directly outdoors 6 weeks before your last frost date.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Valerianella locusta

Days to Maturity 45 days

Mature Height 4-8"

Spread 4"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Partial Shade to Full Sun

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

4" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Mâche in Des Moines?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, March 14, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

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🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Mâche

See which plants help Mâche thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow plants to flower and seed pods to dry on the plant.

Processing

Thresh dried plants over a bowl, separate seeds from chaff by winnowing.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Mâche self-sows freely — allow some plants to go to seed in place for a perpetual crop.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 9 per sq ft of Mâche. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mâche in Des Moines, Iowa? +

In Des Moines (Zone 5b), direct sow Mâche outdoors around Saturday, March 14, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Des Moines, Iowa? +

The average last spring frost date for Des Moines, Iowa (ZIP 50321) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Mâche take to grow? +

Mâche typically matures in about 45 days from direct sowing. In Des Moines, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, March 14, 2026 plus 45 days.

Should I start Mâche indoors or direct sow in Iowa? +

Mâche does best when direct sown outdoors. In Des Moines, sow directly around Saturday, March 14, 2026.

📚 More Mâche Planting Guides

🗺️

Mâche in Iowa

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 5b Mâche Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Des Moines

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Growing Mâche in Zone 5b

Mâche (Valerianella locusta) is a popular garden vegetable. In Des Moines, Iowa, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Mâche grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.