Lamb's Lettuce
Valerianella locusta
Lamb's lettuce (also called corn salad or mâche) is the hardiest winter salad you can grow. Sow from August to October for autumn and winter pickings — it sails through hard frosts under a cloche and provides fresh leaves when little else is growing. The small, nutty rosettes have a mild, buttery flavour. Sow direct in shallow drills 15cm apart and barely cover with soil. Germination is slow in warm weather, so spring sowings are less reliable than autumn. Harvest whole rosettes by cutting at the base, or pick individual leaves cut-and-come-again. Best varieties include 'Vit' (large-leaved) and 'Verte de Cambrai' (classic French heirloom).
Plan where to grow Lamb's Lettuce using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Sow Lamb's Lettuce
Sow lamb's lettuce in March, April, August, September, October.
Time to Harvest Lamb's Lettuce
Expect to harvest approximately 2 months after sowing, usually from October to June.
Companion Plants for Lamb's Lettuce
- Alpine Strawberry
Low lamb's lettuce makes winter ground cover between strawberry plants and is cleared before they fruit.
- Red Onion
Lamb's lettuce can be sown into ground cleared after onions are lifted in late summer.
- Leek
Lamb's lettuce makes low ground cover between winter leek rows without competing much.
- Spring Onion
Both are quick, low crops that can share a row for winter salads.
- June-bearing Strawberry
Low lamb's lettuce makes winter ground cover between strawberry plants and is cleared before they fruit.
- Everbearing Strawberry
Low lamb's lettuce makes winter ground cover between strawberry plants and is cleared before they fruit.
Expected Yield
A 1m square bed gives weekly pickings through autumn and winter.
Common Problems with Lamb's Lettuce
Poor germination in warm weather
Lamb's lettuce germinates best in cool soil (10–15°C). Spring sowings often fail; wait until late August for reliable germination. Water sown drills with cold water to lower soil temperature.
Mildew in damp winter conditions
Pale patches on leaves in mild, wet winters. Improve air flow by thinning crowded plants and remove affected leaves. Cloche covers reduce damp leaf contact.
Slow growth
Naturally slow-growing crop — be patient. A liquid seaweed feed in early autumn can boost growth before cold weather slows it further.
Lamb's Lettuce: common questions
When should I sow lamb's lettuce in the UK?
Sow lamb's lettuce in March–April and August–October. Sow it directly where it is to grow.
How far apart should I plant lamb's lettuce?
Space lamb's lettuce about 10cm apart. It grows to around 15cm tall. Sow seeds 0.5cm deep.
How long does lamb's lettuce take to germinate?
Lamb's Lettuce seeds usually germinate in 10–21 days, depending on temperature.
When is lamb's lettuce ready to harvest?
In the UK, lamb's lettuce is usually harvested from October to June. It's ready about 2 months after sowing.
Does lamb's lettuce come back every year?
No. Lamb's Lettuce is an annual: it grows, flowers and dies in one year, so sow it again each year. Some annuals self-seed if a few flowers are left to set seed.
What grows well with lamb's lettuce?
Good companions for lamb's lettuce include Alpine Strawberry, Red Onion, Leek, Spring Onion and June-bearing Strawberry. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
Is lamb's lettuce frost hardy?
Yes. Lamb's Lettuce is hardy and survives a normal UK winter outdoors.
Plan your lamb's lettuce in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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