Mâche (Valerianella locusta)
Mâche is a wonderful salad green that grows in late winter and early spring. Also called "corn salad" or "lamb's lettuce", the small florets are never bitter and are a welcome green from the garden when it's cold outside and little else grows. The flavor is nutty and this native to Europe is common in salads throughout the continent.
Origin: We brought the parent seed of this great variety home from France where we obtained seeds from a farmer at the Marché Président Wilson in the, 16th arrondissement of Paris many years ago when the kids’ grandparents lived in nearby Suresnes. The farmer has grown and saved seeds of this variety for many years on his farm north of Paris in the town of Chambly. This farm is also the original source of our French breakfast radishes and Snow peas.
(Approximately 100 seeds per packet)
Germination rate: 75% - tested 8/30/24
Planting Instructions: Sow by scattering seeds in full sun to part shade and lightly cover with soil. Mâche can be sown in late fall in warmer climates or late winter in cooler climates. Seeds can take a while to germinate and prefer soil temperatures between 50-60F.
