Vit Mache, Corn Salad

Vit Specialty Greens Seed

Tender winter rosettes offer mild, nutty sweetness
Cold-tolerant mâche extends fresh salad harvests
Compact spoon-shaped leaves stay delicate and appealing
Best grown with consistent moisture in cool weather

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Valerianella locusta

Days to maturity

40 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

500 Seeds

About Vit, Specialty Greens Seed, Specialty Greens Seed

Vit Mâche, also known as corn salad, lamb’s lettuce, or mâche, is a cool-season leafy green with a long history in Europe, where it was foraged in fields and vineyards before becoming a cultivated crop in the 17th century. This compact plant forms small rosettes of tender, spoon-shaped leaves that are deep green and naturally high in vitamins A and C.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/8"

Days to Germination

7–14 days

In-row plant spacing

4-12"

Row Spacing

12-18"

Plant profile

Maturity

Spring, Fall, Winter

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

24 inches

Growth Habits

Rosette

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

2,644

Color

Green

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

A successful Specialty Greens planting begins with a full-sun location in cool weather or light afternoon shade in warmer conditions, with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Work in compost and prepare a fine, level, weed-free seedbed. Plan dependable irrigation and avoid fresh manure or excessive nitrogen immediately before planting.

Planting

Specialty Greens is best direct-sown during cool weather, beginning when the soil is workable. Keep the upper soil evenly moist until emergence, and provide light shade if warm conditions threaten germination. Thin baby-leaf greens to about 1–2 inches apart or mature plants to 6–12 inches, adjusting for the crop in the mix. Make small succession sowings every 1–3 weeks while temperatures remain suitable.

Watering

Specialty Greens needs steady moisture for rapid, tender growth. Water deeply before plants wilt, keeping the root zone moist but not waterlogged and directing irrigation below the leaves.

Fertilizer

Specialty Greens benefits from moderate nitrogen during active leaf production. Side-dress lightly when needed, following soil-test and label recommendations, and avoid concentrated fertilizer against plants.

Harvesting

Cut specialty greens leaves at the desired baby or mature size while they remain crisp and well colored. Harvest outer leaves repeatedly, or remove the whole plant before flowering begins.

Tips

Extend the specialty greens season with row cover in cold weather and afternoon shade during heat. Keep weeds controlled and sow short rows repeatedly instead of one large planting.

AVG. Seeding Rate

For bunching: 1 oz./830', 1 lb./13,000' at above spacing.

Pests & Diseases

Disease risks vary by species, but damping-off, downy mildew, leaf spots, and bacterial soft rot commonly affect specialty greens. Use clean seed, rotate crops by plant family, and keep leaves dry. Remove slimy or spotted foliage promptly, and confirm the crop identity before choosing resistant varieties or treatments.

Monitor specialty greens for aphids, slugs, leafminers, flea beetles, and chewing caterpillars. Protect young plants with barriers and use targeted controls that leave edible foliage free of unnecessary residues.