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How to Grow Mâche

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Mâche (Valerianella locusta)

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Valerianella locusta
Category vegetable
Days to Maturity 45 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Partial Shade to Full Sun

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

4" apart

🌱

Depth

0.25" deep

📏

Height

4-8"

🌱

Germination

7-14 days

Ready to Grow Mâche?

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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.

Seed Storage Supplies

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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 →

Mâche Planting Calendar by Zone

Mâche Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mâche? +

Sow Mâche seeds directly in the garden 6 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Mâche take to grow? +

Mâche typically matures in about 45 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Mâche indoors or direct sow? +

Mâche does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Mâche need? +

Mâche requires partial shade to full sun to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Mâche? +

Space Mâche plants 4 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Mâche need? +

Mâche has moderate (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Mâche? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Mâche is rated easy. Allow plants to flower and seed pods to dry on the plant. Thresh dried plants over a bowl, separate seeds from chaff by winnowing.

How long do Mâche seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Mâche seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Mâche seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Mâche is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Mâche

Mild, nutty-flavored salad green also known as corn salad or lamb's lettuce. Extremely cold-hardy, thrives in fall and winter. Bolt-resistant.

Expect your Mâche to be ready for harvest in approximately 45 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.