Mâche
Valerianella locusta
Also known asLamb's lettuce · Corn salad · Field salad · Feldsalat · Doucette
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 3–8 (winter low around -40°C)
- Frost
- very hardy (survives deep cold)
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: light.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Net pot, no medium (Bare-root) | - | - | - |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.6 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.3 |
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
An ideal cool-season hydroponic salad green for winter production. EC 0.8-1.5 mS/cm (very light feeder). pH 6.0-7.0. Temperature: 5–18°C (thrives in cold that kills lettuce; grows at temperatures as low as 2–3°C, though slowly). Low to moderate light (DLI 8-14 mol/m2/day; one of the least light-demanding salad crops). NFT, DWC, raft, or vertical systems. From seed to harvest: 6-8 weeks (slower than lettuce but the cold tolerance extends the growing season into months when lettuce won't grow). Harvest entire rosettes at the base. The small size means high density planting: 5–8 cm between plants. Succession plant every 3 weeks. Mache doesn't bolt in cold the way other greens do; it flowers only when temperatures warm in spring and days lengthen. For commercial hydroponic growers, mache commands premium prices ($15-25/kg) as a specialty winter salad green, and the cold tolerance means minimal heating costs. For aquaponics systems that run through winter, mache fills the production gap when warm-season crops are dormant.