Dutch Corn Salad, also known as Lamb's Lettuce (Valerianella locusta), is a tender, mild-flavored leafy green that is a popular addition to salads and fresh dishes. Known for its sweet, nutty taste, this herbaceous vegetable thrives in cooler weather and is often grown as a winter crop or early spring vegetable. With its delicate, rounded leaves, Lamb's Lettuce is an excellent source of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, folate, and iron. The 500 seeds in this packet provide an opportunity for gardeners to enjoy this delicious, easy-to-grow vegetable in their home gardens, making it a perfect addition for salad lovers or those looking to diversify their vegetable plantings.

Key Features:

• Mild, Nutty Flavor: Lamb’s Lettuce offers a unique, mild, nutty flavor that is perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, and garnishes.
• Cold-Hardy: This variety of Corn Salad thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for early spring or late fall planting. It can withstand light frost, making it perfect for winter harvesting in mild climates.
• Quick-Growing: Dutch Corn Salad grows rapidly, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the cooler months. Its fast-growing nature makes it a great choice for gardeners seeking quick, fresh greens.
• Nutrient-Rich: Lamb’s Lettuce is rich in vitamins A and C, folate, and iron, making it a highly nutritious addition to your diet.
• Compact Growth: The small, rosette-shaped leaves of Dutch Corn Salad make it an excellent choice for container gardening, small garden beds, or interplanting with other vegetables and herbs.

Growing Information:

• Light: Dutch Corn Salad prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. In cooler regions, plant in full sun for the best growth and flavor.
• Soil: This leafy green grows best in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
• Planting Tips:
  • Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or late summer, about 1/4 inch deep in the soil. You can also sow them in the fall for a winter harvest in milder climates.
  • Space seeds 6-8 inches apart to allow for proper growth. Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding, allowing the plants enough room to develop their small rosettes of leaves.
  • You can start seeds indoors and transplant them outside once they are big enough, or sow directly in the garden.
• Watering: Lamb’s Lettuce prefers consistent moisture, so water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can hinder growth. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
• Maintenance: This plant is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular harvesting. You can harvest the outer leaves as they mature, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for a longer harvest period. If the plant bolts (goes to seed), remove the flower stalks to prolong the edible leaf growth.
• Companion Planting: Lamb’s Lettuce grows well with other leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, and lettuce. It also pairs nicely with herbs like parsley and cilantro.

Benefits:

• Versatile Culinary Uses: Dutch Corn Salad is ideal for salads, sandwiches, wraps, and as a garnish. Its tender, mild leaves are a welcome addition to any fresh dish.
• Cold-Hardy and Resilient: This vegetable is a great choice for gardeners looking to extend the growing season in cooler months. It’s frost-tolerant and can be grown in early spring or late fall for a fresh supply of greens.
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and folate, Lamb’s Lettuce contributes to a healthy diet by providing essential nutrients.
• Low Maintenance: Lamb’s Lettuce is easy to grow, making it an ideal vegetable for beginner gardeners. Its quick growth and low care requirements allow for a hassle-free harvest.
• Great for Small Spaces: Due to its compact size, Dutch Corn Salad is perfect for container gardening or small garden beds, allowing gardeners with limited space to still enjoy homegrown greens.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 3-9, Dutch Corn Salad can thrive in both cool and mild climates. It can be grown in early spring or late fall in regions with mild winters.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Container Gardens: Dutch Corn Salad is an excellent choice for container gardening. Its compact growth habit and ability to tolerate cooler weather make it perfect for pots, window boxes, or small garden spaces.
• Salad Gardens: Grow Lamb’s Lettuce alongside other salad greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula for a continuous harvest of fresh, nutritious greens. The mild flavor of Lamb’s Lettuce complements these other greens beautifully.
• Succession Planting: To ensure a continuous supply of fresh greens, practice succession planting by sowing seeds every couple of weeks throughout the cool season. This allows you to enjoy fresh Lamb’s Lettuce leaves over an extended period.

Conclusion: Dutch Corn Salad (Valerianella locusta), also known as Lamb’s Lettuce, is a nutrient-packed, cold-hardy vegetable that is perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. With 500 seeds in this packet, you’ll have plenty to grow this versatile and mild-flavored leafy green in your garden. Whether you're looking to add variety to your vegetable garden, extend your harvest in cooler months, or grow an easy-to-maintain plant in a small space, Dutch Corn Salad is an excellent choice. Its rapid growth, minimal care requirements, and nutritional benefits make it a must-have for any gardener who loves fresh, homegrown greens. Start growing Dutch Corn Salad today and enjoy the tender, nutty flavor in your meals.