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When to Plant Mâche in New Orleans, Louisiana (70139)

Location

New Orleans, Louisiana

ZIP Code

70139

USDA Zone

9b

Last Frost

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Based on last frost Tuesday, February 10, 2026 · Zone 9b

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

🌿 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 New Orleans?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

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🤝 Good Companions

RadishCarrotBeet
🤝

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

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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 New Orleans, Louisiana? +

In New Orleans (Zone 9b), direct sow Mâche outdoors around Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

What is the last frost date for New Orleans, Louisiana? +

The average last spring frost date for New Orleans, Louisiana (ZIP 70139) is around Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9b.

How long does Mâche take to grow? +

Mâche typically matures in about 45 days from direct sowing. In New Orleans, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, December 30, 2025 plus 45 days.

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

Mâche does best when direct sown outdoors. In New Orleans, sow directly around Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Other Plants for New Orleans

Growing Mâche in Zone 9b

Mâche (Valerianella locusta) is a popular garden vegetable. In New Orleans, Louisiana, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, you should direct sow seeds around Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Mâche grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.