Contents
Description
Valerianella Discoidea, commonly known as mâche or corn salad, is a cool-season annual plant that belongs to the Valerianaceae family. It is a herbaceous plant with rosette-shaped leaves that are bright green and shiny. The leaves are tender and have a mild nutty flavor. Mâche is a popular salad green that is commonly grown in Europe and North America. It has a short growing season and can be harvested in as little as 30 days after planting.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Valerianaceae |
| Genus | Valerianella |
Appearance
Mâche is a small, low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 5-15cm. It has a rosette-shaped arrangement of leaves that are bright green and shiny. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a slightly toothed edge. The plant produces small white or yellow flowers that are usually not very noticeable. The root system is shallow and fibrous.
Care Guide
Water: Mâche prefers consistent moisture levels, so it is important to water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Mâche does not require much fertilization, but adding a balanced fertilizer to the soil before planting can help improve growth and yield.
Soil: Mâche prefers well-draining, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.
Sunlight: Mâche prefers cool temperatures and partial shade. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in warmer areas it should be grown in partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Mâche is a cool-season plant that grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mâche is relatively disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as damping off and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, avoid overwatering and provide good air circulation. Mâche is also susceptible to aphids, slugs, and snails. Regular monitoring and removal of pests can help prevent damage.
Habitat
Mâche is native to Europe and Asia but has been widely cultivated in North America. It prefers cool temperatures and partial shade and is often grown in the winter and early spring in temperate climates. Mâche can be grown in containers or directly in the ground and is often used as a salad green or garnish.
Questions and Answers
Q: How long does it take for mâche to grow?
A: Mâche has a short growing season and can be harvested in as little as 30 days after planting.
Q: Can mâche be grown in containers?
A: Yes, mâche can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
Q: What pests are commonly found on mâche?
A: Aphids, slugs, and snails are commonly found on mâche.
Q: What is the ideal pH range for mâche?
A: Mâche prefers a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
Related Plants
- Valerianella Locusta
- Valerianella Amarella
- Valerianella Chalepensis
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/corn-salad/growing-corn-salad.htm
- https://www.almanac.com/plant/corn-salad
- https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Valerianella+discoidea
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/14706/i-valerianella-discoidea-i/details
