Corn salad (Valerianella locusta)
Care, watering, light and tips for Corn salad on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Corn salad
Valerianella locusta, commonly known as corn salad or lamb's lettuce, is a small annual herbaceous plant prized for its tender and nutritious leaves. It forms compact rosettes of soft, slightly rounded or oval green leaves. It is ideal for urban gardens, salad patches, or even pots, adding a fresh and edible touch.
Native range
Europe and Western Asia
Care tips
It prefers locations with partial shade or mild sun, especially in warm climates to prevent premature bolting. Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as it is sensitive to drought. Use well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A common mistake is sowing too late, which can result in poor growth or bitterness in the leaves.
How to save a dying Corn salad
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or wilted leaves, soft or rotten stems. Indicates overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
- First aid
- Remove damaged leaves, check drainage. If waterlogged, repot into dry soil. If nutrient deficient, fertilize gently.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is the main enemy, quickly rotting roots. Also lack of direct light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's a hardy plant, but prolonged waterlogging is lethal.