Halifax Seed Mache / Corn Salad Vit Pkg.

Common Name: Vit Corn Salad / Mâche

Scientific Name: Valerianella locusta

Life Cycle: Annual

Description Detail: A hardy, winter salad green producing tight rosettes of oval, glossy green leaves with a mild, slightly nutty flavour. Vit is vigorous and mildew resistant and is especially valuable for providing fresh greens during cooler months when many other salad crops are unavailable.

Days to Germinate: 7-14 days

Bloom / Harvest: Approximately 50 days to maturity. Harvest young leaves as needed, or allow the rosettes to develop fully for a larger harvest.

Germination Needs: Direct sow seeds approximately 6 mm (¼") deep in moist, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination. Cool temperatures are ideal for establishment.

Lighting: Full sun to partial sun

Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during germination and early growth. Water during dry periods, but avoid consistently waterlogged soil.

Starting Instructions: Direct sow in late summer through early autumn for a fall and winter crop. It can also be sown in early spring. Sow in rows or broadcast thinly over prepared soil, and cover lightly. Succession sowing can provide a continuous supply of young leaves.

Care Instructions: Grow in fertile, well-drained soil and maintain consistent moisture. Thin crowded seedlings to allow good air circulation and healthy rosette development. In colder areas, provide protection with a cold frame, low tunnel or row cover for extended winter harvesting.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Garden Benefits: Provides fresh salad greens during cool and winter weather when many other vegetables are dormant. Its compact growth makes it suitable for vegetable gardens, raised beds, cold frames and containers.

Special Notes: Halifax Seed lists Vit as a 50-day corn salad/mâche variety with mild, slightly nutty flavour, glossy green leaves, tight rosettes and mildew resistance. The current listing is suitable for containers and can be grown in full sun to partial sun.

Tips For Success: Sow in late summer for fall and winter harvesting, keep the soil consistently moist, and protect plants from severe cold when necessary. Harvest outer leaves or whole rosettes while they are young and tender. Halifax Seed specifically recommends Vit as a fall crop, with greens such as mâche direct-sown, 6–8 weeks before the first frost.

Companion Plants: Radishes, carrots, onions, leeks, spinach, lettuce, peas and other cool-season greens.