How to Grow Lamb's Lettuce: Tips, Facts, and Information - Garden and Allotment Tips and Advice

How to Grow Lamb’s Lettuce: Tips, Facts, and Information

Lamb’s lettuce, also known as corn salad, mâche, or field salad, is a mild, nutty-flavored leafy green that is perfect for adding to salads or using as a garnish. It thrives in cool weather and is known for its small, tender leaves. Easy to grow in garden beds or containers, lamb’s lettuce is a great crop for beginner gardeners. This guide covers the top 20 varieties of lamb’s lettuce, along with essential growing tips, interesting facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Lamb’s Lettuce Varieties to Grow

1. Vit

Tips: This popular variety thrives in cooler climates. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or fall, and keep the soil consistently moist.
Facts: Vit has dark green leaves with a rich, buttery flavor and is highly resistant to frost, making it ideal for overwintering.

2. Gala

Tips: Gala prefers well-drained soil and can be planted in both spring and fall. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Facts: This variety produces small, rounded leaves with a mild, sweet flavor, perfect for salads.

3. Valerianella

Tips: Best grown in cool weather, Valerianella can be planted in early spring or fall. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil and partial shade.
Facts: Known for its tender leaves and mild flavor, this variety is often used in gourmet salads.

4. Bionda degli Orti

Tips: Bionda degli Orti grows best in cool, moist conditions. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or late summer.
Facts: This Italian variety has light green leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

5. Verte de Cambrai

Tips: Verte de Cambrai thrives in cool weather and prefers rich, well-draining soil. It can be sown in both spring and fall.
Facts: This French heirloom variety produces thick, green leaves with a nutty, buttery flavor.

6. Dutch Large-Leaf

Tips: Sow seeds in cool weather for the best results. Dutch Large-Leaf prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.
Facts: Known for its large, oval leaves, this variety has a mild flavor and tender texture, making it perfect for fresh salads.

7. Médano

Tips: Médano grows best in cooler weather and well-drained soil. Regular watering ensures healthy plants.
Facts: This variety has bright green leaves and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.

8. Elan

Tips: Plant in cool, moist conditions and provide partial shade in hotter climates. Water consistently to prevent the leaves from becoming tough.
Facts: Elan is a fast-growing variety with a mild flavor and tender leaves, ideal for spring and fall harvests.

9. D’Olanda

Tips: D’Olanda thrives in cool weather. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or fall and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Facts: This Dutch variety has crisp, tender leaves with a slightly sweet flavor, making it a great choice for salads.

10. Favor

Tips: Favor prefers well-drained soil and cool weather. Plant seeds in early spring or fall and water consistently for best results.
Facts: This variety produces small, oval leaves with a delicate, nutty flavor.

11. Agathe

Tips: Agathe thrives in cooler temperatures and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly into the garden and keep the soil consistently moist.
Facts: Known for its compact growth habit and mild flavor, Agathe is a great choice for small garden spaces or containers.

12. Jade

Tips: Plant Jade in early spring or fall for a quick-growing, cool-weather crop. It prefers moist, well-draining soil.
Facts: This variety has deep green, spoon-shaped leaves with a slightly nutty, mild flavor.

13. De Cambrai

Tips: Best grown in cool weather, De Cambrai prefers moist, fertile soil. Water regularly and avoid letting the soil dry out.
Facts: A classic French variety, De Cambrai has thick, dark green leaves with a smooth, mild flavor.

14. Amsel

Tips: Amsel grows best in cool, moist conditions and can be sown in early spring or late summer. Ensure the soil is consistently moist for optimal growth.
Facts: Known for its vibrant green leaves and mild, sweet flavor, Amsel is ideal for fresh salads and garnishes.

15. Mâche Verte

Tips: Mâche Verte prefers cooler weather and grows well in full sun or partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden and water regularly.
Facts: This variety produces delicate, green leaves with a mild, nutty flavor and is often used in gourmet cuisine.

16. Trophy

Tips: Trophy grows well in cool, well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or fall, and water regularly.
Facts: This variety is known for its tender leaves and mild, buttery flavor.

17. Favorit

Tips: Favorit grows best in cooler weather and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the plants healthy and prevent bolting.
Facts: This variety has smooth, green leaves and a mild flavor, making it a popular choice for fresh salads.

18. Prima

Tips: Prima thrives in cool conditions and can be planted in early spring or fall. Keep the soil consistently moist for the best results.
Facts: This variety produces small, dark green leaves with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

19. Concorde

Tips: Concorde grows best in cool, moist soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Facts: Known for its crisp texture and nutty flavor, Concorde is perfect for adding freshness to salads.

20. Grosse du Nord

Tips: Grosse du Nord prefers cooler temperatures and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall and water consistently.
Facts: This French heirloom variety produces thick, green leaves with a mild, slightly nutty flavor.

Common Questions About Growing Lamb’s Lettuce

Q: When should I plant lamb’s lettuce?
A: Lamb’s lettuce grows best in cool weather, so it is typically planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. In mild climates, it can also be overwintered for an early spring crop.

Q: Can I grow lamb’s lettuce in containers?
A: Yes, lamb’s lettuce grows well in containers as long as the pots are at least 6-8 inches deep and have good drainage. Container gardening is perfect for small spaces like patios or balconies.

Q: How long does lamb’s lettuce take to grow?
A: Lamb’s lettuce is a fast-growing crop that can be harvested in as little as 6-8 weeks after planting. You can start harvesting when the leaves are large enough to eat.

Q: How do I harvest lamb’s lettuce?
A: You can harvest lamb’s lettuce by cutting the leaves at the base of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground for continued growth. Alternatively, you can pull up the entire plant and use the leaves fresh.

Q: Does lamb’s lettuce grow back after cutting?
A: Yes, if you harvest the leaves by cutting them above the base, lamb’s lettuce will regrow, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the growing season.