Corn Salad Microgreen Seeds – Mâche

Corn Salad, also known as Mâche or lamb's lettuce, is a cool-growing specialty microgreen with tender green leaves and a mild, slightly nutty flavour. It germinates more slowly than many common microgreens and performs best when temperatures remain relatively cool.

What You Need

• Corn Salad Microgreen Seeds
• A shallow tray with drainage holes
• A solid lower tray for bottom watering
• Coco coir, fine seed-raising mix or another suitable fine growing medium
• Clean drinking-quality water
• Fine mist sprayer
• A second tray or suitable germination cover
• Bright natural light or suitable grow lights
• Clean scissors or a sharp harvesting knife

Seed Rate

For a standard 25 × 50cm microgreen tray, start with approximately:

25–30g dry seed per tray

Spread the seed evenly across the growing surface and avoid thick overlapping patches.

Because Mâche grows relatively slowly, good spacing and airflow become increasingly important as the leaves develop.

Pre-Soak

No pre-soaking required.

Sow the seed dry directly onto the prepared growing medium.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean the equipment. Wash and thoroughly rinse trays, covers and growing tools.
2. Prepare the growing medium. Add approximately 2–3cm of coco coir, fine seed-raising mix or another suitable fine-textured medium.
3. Moisten thoroughly. Water evenly and allow excess water to drain. The medium should be consistently damp without being saturated.
4. Measure the seed. Use approximately 25–30g for a 25 × 50cm tray.
5. Sow evenly. Spread the seed across the surface without creating dense piles.
6. Press gently. Ensure good contact between the seed and growing medium.
7. Cover very lightly if preferred. A thin layer of fine growing medium or vermiculite may be used, but avoid deep burial.
8. Mist gently. Moisten the seed without washing it into clusters.
9. Cover during early establishment. Use another tray or suitable germination cover.
10. Check daily. Maintain steady moisture and watch for emerging seedlings.
11. Uncover as the crop establishes. Do not leave strongly emerged seedlings in darkness simply to complete a fixed number of blackout days.
12. Provide good light and airflow. Once uncovered, move the crop into bright indirect natural light or beneath suitable grow lights.
13. Bottom water once established. As roots develop, switch primarily to watering from below.

Covered Establishment

Allow approximately:

4–7 days of covered establishment, depending on germination progress

Mâche can be slow to emerge, so use the development of the crop rather than the calendar alone.

Heavy weighting is unnecessary.

Begin uncovering once seedlings are emerging and pushing upward strongly.

Germination

Expect approximately:

8–14 days

Mâche naturally germinates more slowly than broccoli, radish or mustard.

Do not assume the tray has failed simply because little growth is visible during the first several days.

Temperature

For germination, aim for approximately:

10–18°C where practical

Mâche can germinate across approximately 5–20°C, but cooler to moderate conditions are preferable.

Avoid temperatures consistently above approximately 20–21°C, as warm growing media can significantly reduce germination.

This is one of the most important differences between Mâche and warm-loving microgreens such as basil.

Light & Airflow

Once seedlings are establishing:

• provide bright indirect natural light or suitable grow lights;
• maintain good airflow;
• avoid excessive heat;
• rotate the tray if necessary for even growth; and
• prevent the tender foliage from remaining continuously wet.

The crop should develop compact, fresh green leaves rather than elongated weak stems.

Watering

During germination, maintain consistent moisture.

• Mist gently when required.
• Avoid allowing the growing surface to dry completely.
• Do not flood the seed layer.
• Avoid permanent saturation.

Once roots are established, bottom watering is generally preferable.

For more detail, see How to Water Microgreens: Misting vs Bottom Watering.

When bottom watering:

• add a shallow amount of water to the lower tray;
• allow the growing medium to absorb moisture;
• check moisture before watering again;
• do not leave the crop permanently standing in water; and
• maintain good airflow.

Tips for Best Results

• Sow dry without pre-soaking.
• Use approximately 25–30g per 25 × 50cm tray as a starting rate.
• Keep the growing medium cool.
• Avoid temperatures above approximately 20–21°C during germination.
• Maintain consistent moisture.
• Expect slower germination than most brassica microgreens.
• Use covered establishment rather than relying on a rigid blackout period.
• Uncover once seedlings are emerging strongly.
• Provide bright light after establishment.
• Maintain good airflow.
• Bottom water once roots establish.
• Harvest while the leaves remain tender.

Common Problems

Poor Germination

Warm growing conditions are one of the main causes of poor Mâche germination.

If germination is patchy:

• check the temperature of the growing medium;
• make sure it has not dried out;
• avoid excessive water;
• allow sufficient time; and
• do not discard the tray after only a few days.

Weak or Stretched Growth

Once seedlings emerge, inadequate light can produce weaker growth.

Move established seedlings into good light promptly rather than keeping them covered longer than necessary.

Root Hairs vs Mould

Fine white root hairs can sometimes be mistaken for mould.

Healthy root hairs generally:

• emerge directly from individual roots;
• appear relatively evenly;
• become more visible as roots dry slightly; and
• become less obvious after watering.

Mould is more likely to spread irregularly between seedlings and may occur with slime, decay or an abnormal smell.

If you are uncertain, see Mould vs Root Hairs on Sprouts & Microgreens.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest approximately:

12–18 days from sowing

Cool conditions or slower germination may extend the growing period.

Harvest when:

• leaves are fully open;
• foliage is fresh green;
• stems remain tender;
• the crop has developed its characteristic mild, nutty flavour; and
• the plants have reached your preferred size.

Cut cleanly just above the growing medium with clean scissors or a sharp harvesting knife.

Where practical, harvest when the foliage is relatively dry.

Refrigerate promptly in a clean container and avoid crushing the tender leaves.

Growing as Baby Leaf or Mature Mâche

Corn salad is also an excellent cool-season salad vegetable.

For larger plants:

1. Sow much less densely.
2. Allow additional space around each seedling.
3. Maintain cool growing conditions.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist but well drained.
5. Allow plants to form compact leaf rosettes.
6. Harvest individual leaves or complete rosettes as required.

Clean Growing / Food Safety

Use clean trays, fresh growing medium, drinking-quality water and clean harvesting equipment.

Maintain:

• appropriate moisture;
• good drainage;
• adequate airflow;
• clean harvesting tools; and
• prompt refrigeration after harvest.

Discard crops showing visible mould, slime, decay, abnormal discolouration or an unpleasant smell.

Seed Storage

Store unused seed sealed in a cool, dry and dark place away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

For longer-term storage, refrigeration can help maintain seed viability. Keep refrigerated seed sealed while it returns to room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.