How To Grow French Corn Salad Microgreens

<a href='https://typesofmicrogreens.com/author/admin/'>Jon Smith</a>Jon Smith
December 23, 2021

French corn salad microgreens, also known as Mache lettuce microgreens or lamb's lettuce microgreens, is a European cold-weather leafy vegetable that has a mild, nutty flavor. This delectable microgreen is the perfect complement to any microgreen salad. It can also be used as a tasty garnish.

Mache lettuce microgreens are filled with a variety of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, folic acid, iron, and potassium. These microgreens are ready within a matter of days, making them a wonderful choice for beginner microgreen gardeners.

French Corn Salad Microgreens Profile

Our French Corn Salad Microgreens Profile provides you with the pertinent information you need when growing these microgreens. The table is easy to read and allows you to quickly find the growing information that you need.

AttributeProfile
FlavorFrench corn salad microgreens are described as having a mild, nutty flavor.  
Pre-Soak (Yes/No)   No presoaking is needed.
Color   These microgreens have pale green stems with bright green leaves.
Germination Time   Germination time is 2 to 3 days. They require about 3 to 4 days blackout time.
Harvest Time   You can expect to harvest your Mache lettuce microgreens in about 8 to 12 days.
Green Thumb Level (1-5)   1 – These microgreens are very easy to grow and can be grown alongside other microgreens.

Once considered a weed, corn salad greens have been cultivated in France and other parts of Europe since the 17th century. The soft, tender texture of these microgreens pair beautifully with a variety of other microgreens.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have assembled the most commonly asked questions concerning growing, harvesting, and eating French corn salad microgreens.

Do French Corn Salad Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?

No, like most microgreens Mache lettuce microgreens do not regrow once it has been harvested. Once you harvest your microgreens, place any remaining shoots and the soil into your compost pile.

How Fast Do Mache Lettuce Microgreens Grow?

These fast growing microgreens are ready within about a week and a half to two weeks.

How Many Seeds Are Needed for a 10 inch by 20 inch Microgreen Growing Tray?

You will need approximately one ounce of seeds for each growing tray. One ounce of French Corn Salad microgreen seeds contains around 17,000 seeds.

Equipment Needed to Grow Corn Salad Microgreens

The equipment needed to grow corn salad microgreens is standard. You will need a growing medium, seeds, growing trays, and a few other pieces of equipment. Although multiple growing methods can be used, we recommend following the instructions listed below. When these instructions are followed and the optional pieces of equipment are purchased, you will be rewarded with a large crop of lamb's lettuce microgreens

Starter Kits

A starter kit will contain the pieces of equipment needed to get started, including grow trays, a sample growing medium, a variety of seeds, and a misting bottle. We recommend Mountain Valley Seed Company's Deluxe Microgreens Starter Kit available at True Leaf Market.

Specific Equipment Needed for French Corn Salad Microgreens

If you prefer to purchase the pieces of equipment needed to start growing lamb's lettuce microgreens, you will need the following items. We have also included a few optional pieces of equipment. Although these are optional, we recommend them as they will help ensure a healthy, bountiful crop.

French Corn Salad Microgreens Growing Medium

Corn salad microgreens are super easy to grow and can be grown using several different methods and growing mediums. However, we recommend using a coconut coir growing medium for your Mache lettuce microgreens.

Coconut Coir

Coconut coir is produced from the husks of coconuts. This renewable growing medium holds a lot of water yet prevents root rot and mildew. Finally, coconut coir is pH neutral, meaning it can be used to grow any variety of microgreens.

MOTHER EARTH Coco Plus Perlite Mix - For Indoor and Outdoor Container Gardens, Provides Strong Aeration & Drainage, 70% Coconut Coir, Resists Compaction, 50 Liter
  • Mother Earth Coco + Perlite is a great alternative to potting soil as it enables gardeners to aggressively feed and not worry about over-watering
  • Use Mother Earth Coco + Perlite with indoor and outdoor container gardens
  • Achieve better aeration and drainage with a mix that incorporates 70% of the finest coconut coir and 30% perlite
  • Plant directly in Mother Earth Coco + Perlite
  • Coconut coir resists compaction and last longer in a container (vs traditional growing media)

Seed Starting Spoil

Seed starting soil is a fine grained soil designed for delicate seedlings. Although this type of soil contains extra nutrients, they are not needed for microgreens. Everything the microgreens need is found within the seed.

Sale
FoxFarm Ocean Forest FX14000 -1.5 Cubic Foot Organic Potting Soil
  • SIZE: 38.6 quarts of FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil for your hungry plants
  • APPLICATION: Ultimate potting soil that has everything your plants need in one bag
  • CONTENTS: Blend of earthworm castings, bat guano, sea-going fish & crab meal, forest humus, moss & more
  • PH LEVELS: Ocean Forest is pH adjusted at 6.3 to 6.8 to allow for optimum fertilizer uptake
  • BENEFITS: Encourages strong branching and a sturdy, healthy growth habit and is ideal for containerized plantings

French Corn Salad Microgreens Trays

You will need three trays for your French corn salad microgreens. Two will be used for the bottom and one will be used on the top. You will want one tray with drainage holes and two without drainage holes. The most common size for grow trays is 10 inches by 20 inches; however, there are other sizes available.

Growing Tray with Drainage Holes

The growing tray with drainage holes is used to hold your growing medium and your microgreen seeds. This type of growing tray allows you to water your microgreens from the bottom up to help prevent root rot, mildew, and mold.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (with Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - WITH Drain Holes
  • Perfect for hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

Growing Trays without Drainage Holes

One tray without drainage holes will be used as a blackout, humidity dome. The other tray will be used to hold the growing tray with drainage holes.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (No Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - NO Drain Holes
  • Perfect for use as a drip tray, hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

French Corn Salad Microgreens Misting Bottle

A misting bottle lets you gently water your delicate French corn salad microgreens. The gentle mist waters the soil without disturbing seeds and seedlings.

GETTON 2.0L Garden Sprayer, Hand-held Pressure Pump Sprayer Plant Mister Spray Bottle with Adjustable Nozzle and Detachable Wand for Indoor Outdoor Household Cleaning Garden Lawn Watering
  • 【Safe Pressure Valve】The garden spraying bottle equipped with a safety pressure release valve, which allows you to control the pressure of water and automatically releases the excess pressure. The pump holds a good amount of pressure while offers a place reducing fatigue while operating the equipment.
  • 【Adjustable Nozzle】The premium adjustable nozzle of this garden sprayer can be easily adjusted the intensity of the water from direct injection to fine mist spray as desired. Greater even coverage for a better performance.
  • 【Durable & Easy to Clean】The pump sprayer is manufactured from PP material for excellent durability. 2L Translucent water tank can clearly show the liquid level inside so you can add more in time. It is also convenient for cleaning.
  • 【Wide Application】This universal pressure sprayer can accommodate your daily cleaning and watering needs both indoors and outdoors . Ideal for household cleaning, watering plants and flowers, misting veggies, pet bathing, and moisturizing flowers.
  • 【Ergonomic Handle】The pump pressure sprayer comes with an ergonomic 4-finger handle that is non-slip for effortless use and convenient to be carried anywhere. A removable long wand is good to help spray more spaces or hard-to-reach places.

French Corn Salad Microgreens Light Source (Optional)

A grow light will help ensure that your microgreens will grow healthy by providing consistent light.

Sale
Barrina LED Grow Light, 144W( 6 x 24W, 800W Equivalent), 2ft T8, Full Spectrum, High Output, Linkable Design, T8 Integrated Bulb+Fixture, Plant Lights for Indoor Plants, 6-Pack
  • Full Spectrum - Barrina grow light is a great option for plants that in seedling, vegetative and flowering cycle. It provides light that plants need, especially blue and red light
  • Integrated Plant Light Chips- Compare with the lamp consisting of only "blue chips" + "red chips", integrated plant light chips have more efficiency and better color layout
  • Super Bright - Consume only 144W with 576 LEDS totally, replacing 800W general plant lights. These grow light provid a higher PPFD
  • Easy Installation - Plug and play. And could link up to 6 grow lights in a series by 48 inches connecting cords. Also, you could mount to ceiling or hang up for shelf. Saving your installation cost and time
  • Quality Assurance - 2-year unlimited warranty, easy and fast replacement is offered if any quality issue

French Corn Salad Microgreens Heating Mat (Optional)

A heating mat is used to regulate the soil temperature to promote germination.

HYDGOOHO Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat for Seed Starting Propagation and Increase Germination Success 10 Inch x 20.75 Inch MET Safety Standard Certified
  • Makes a differeance in germination time, leafy greens in about 2 days and tomatoes 3-4 days for sprouts.
  • Try to use the seedling heat mat and heat mat thermostat to heat water in the seed container to increase humidity in your grow tent.
  • Using to keep a batch of fermenting beer wort at 72F is also available
  • Great affordable heating solution to starting plants from seed.
  • If you’re doing home gardening for your seasonings, go find this seedling heat mat sets.

French Corn Salad Microgreens Planting Rack (Optional)

A planting rack allows you to stack your microgreens vertically to maximize growing space.

Storage Shelves 2100Lbs Capacity, 6-Shelf on Casters 48" L×18" W×82" H Wire Shelving Unit Adjustable Layer Metal Rack Strong Steel for Restaurant Garage Pantry Kitchen,Black
  • IMPRESSIVE STORAGE CAPACITY - With six tiers of shelving, this unit boasts an enormous amount of space and shelving. It’s able to provide a great deal of additional storage without taking up too much space itself.
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  • ADJUSTABILITY - You can adjust the height of the storage shelves in one-inch increments, creating a customized unit best suited for your specific storage needs.
  • MULTIFUNCTIONALITY - This metal shelving unit can be used virtually anywhere, in the kitchen, the bathroom, the garage, outdoor shed, and more. It’s perfect for storing tools, clothes, books, and whatever else is taking up space in your home or office. Equipped with wheels, you can transport this unit smoothly and efficiently room to room.
  • FAST, EASY ASSEMBLY: The shelving unit comes packaged ready to assemble, and doesn’t require any tools for installation. In just 15 minutes, your unit can be installed and ready to save space.

French Corn Salad Microgreens Circulation Fans (Optional)

Circulation fans are used to increase airflow and reduce the risk of soilborne diseases like root rot and mold.

Sale
Active Air HORF6 6-Inch Clip-On 360-Degree 5W Brushless Motor Hydroponic Grow Fan with Spring-Loaded Plastic Clip for Gardens, Black, 2 Pack
  • LONG LASTING: Fan features a 5W brushless motor that lasts longer and can be hooked up to fan speed controllers; Features a smooth and quiet operation (2 Pack)
  • CLIP-ON DESIGN: Clip-on portable fan is convenient and effective for small spaces; Can be used to help grow healthy plants or for cooling, in your garden, flood tables for airflow under foliage, small spaces, or on your office desk with a spring-loaded plastic clip that won't mar surfaces
  • AIR-FLOW: With the 6-inch adjustable-angle head that rotates 360 degrees you can direct airflow where you need it and it can also be wall-mounted to free up space
  • DURABLE: The cooling fan features 3 durable plastic blades and the easily-removable safety grills make cleaning a breeze; The motor outlasts traditional fans that use oil to lubricate rotation
  • SPECIFICATIONS: The product has a 6-foot power cord and is powered by DC 5V/5W making it energy efficient; Weight: 1 pound; Dimensions of (L x W x H): 6 x 8 x 8 inches; Quantity: 2

French Corn Salad Microgreens Seed Options

French Corn Salad Microgreens – Mountain Valley Seed Company's Valerianella olitoria is an heirloom, non-GMO corn salad microgreen that is chockfull of nutrients and flavor. The leafy green vegetable's mild nutty flavor is great in salads or used as a garnish.

Step by Step Growing Guide for French Corn Salad Microgreens

Our easy to follow step by step growing guide will teach you how to plant your microgreens, harvest your microgreens, and store your microgreens. Gather the supplies described above and get ready to begin growing French corn salad microgreens.

Step 1 Prepare Your Growing Trays

The first step involves preparing your growing trays and getting them ready for planting your microgreen seeds. Start by grabbing your tray with drainage holes and filling it with your preferred growing medium. Once your tray is filled, gently press the growing medium down, ensuring the soil is even and spread to the corners. The soil level should be slightly below the top of the tray. If necessary, add more growing medium until it is level and slightly below the top of the growing tray.

Next, you want to thoroughly wet the soil. You can do this by setting your prepared growing tray in a few inches of water for 30 minutes, allowing the soil to draw water upward. Another option is to use your misting bottle and saturate your soil. Allow the water to soak in for 15 minutes. Then, spray an additional 3 to 4 times to ensure the soil is saturated completely.

Step 2 Plant Your French Corn Salad Microgreens Seeds

You will need approximately one ounce of French corn salad microgreens seeds for every 10 by 20 inch growing tray. There are approximately 17,000 seeds in each ounce. Because the seeds are so tiny, an herb shaker bottle like this one will help you sow your French corn salad microgreens seeds.

Shake the seeds evenly across the entire soil surface. Make sure that the seeds are spread into each corner. Then, gently sprinkle some growing medium over the seeds until they are barely covered. Finally, gently pat down the soil with your hands to press the seeds into the soil.

Step 3 Understand the Germination Process

Once you have sewn your French corn salad microgreen seeds, they are ready to germinate. Seeds must be placed in the darkness and subjected to pressure to germinate properly. This can be accomplished by inverting the final tray atop your soil and putting a weight atop the inverted tray.

Grab a heavy book, stone, or weight and place it atop the inverted tray. This will mimic the pressure and weight the seed would experience if it were planted in the ground. You may be concerned that this weight will harm your seeds; however, it will not. In fact, the weight will ensure that the French corn salad microgreens grow healthy and strong.

Next, place your grow tray on your grower's rack and atop a heating mat. The optimal soil temperature is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The heating mat will keep your soil at a constant temperature throughout the germination process.

French corn salad microgreens germinate rather quickly, so you will probably not need to water your growing medium; however, checking the moisture level daily will ensure the soil doesn't dry out. If the soil becomes dry to the touch, you can gently spray the top of the soil with your mister or water from the bottom as described above.

Your French corn salad microgreens should germinate within 3 or 4 days. Once 90 percent of your seeds have sprouted, it is time to remove the weight and the inverted tray. You will then be ready to place your French corn salad microgreens under grow lights to activate photosynthesis.

Step 4 Place Your Microgreens Under Grow Lights

When the top growing tray is removed, your microgreens will be a whitish yellow. This is nothing to worry about. Once you place your microgreens under a grow light, they will quickly turn green.

For optimal growth and development, your microgreen tops should be within 12 inches of the grow light. This will ensure optimal photosynthesis will occur. Photosynthesis is the process where the plant begins producing chlorophyll, which is what causes the plants to turn bright green.

Your full spectrum LED grow lights should remain on for 12 to 16 hours each day. This will provide your plants with the amount of light that they would receive if they were planted outdoors. For the other 8 hours, your plants should be exposed to darkness.

Step 5 Turn on Your Circulation Fans

Circulation fans are designed to increase the airflow around your French corn salad microgreens. Because microgreens are planted so close together, they are at an increased risk of soilborne diseases. Circulation fans reduce this risk.

Attach your circulation fans on the sides of your grow rack. When attaching the fans, make sure they are positioned so the air will blow across the top of your microgreen leaves. The airflow should not blow across the soil as this will cause your soil to dry out prematurely.

Step 6 Know When to Harvest Your French Corn Salad Microgreens

It takes approximately 8 to 12 days for your French corn salad microgreens to reach the microgreen size and be ready for harvest. French corn salad microgreens will be ready to harvest when they reach approximately 2 to 3 inches high, and the first set of true leaves begin forming.

Once this occurs, taste your corn salad microgreens and ensure they have the flavor profile and texture that you want. When they have reached this level, it is time to harvest your microgreens; however, before doing so, withhold water from your French corn salad microgreens for 12 hours to increase the lifespan of your harvested microgreens.

Harvesting French Corn Salad Microgreens

Once your French corn salad microgreens are ready for harvest, you must work quickly. The delicate stems must not be crushed during the harvesting process as this can shorten the lifespan. Furthermore, the microgreens should not be exposed to any water and should be placed in storage quickly for best results.

You will need a few clean, dry paper towels, an airtight storage bag or container, and a pair of sharp scissors or a sharp knife. Place a few paper towels on your countertop or a clean plate. Then, gently grasp your microgreens in one hand, and using the sharp knife or pair of scissors cut the microgreens slightly above the top of the soil. As you cut your microgreens, lay them in a single layer on your paper towels.

Storing French Corn Salad Microgreens

Only harvest one tray of microgreens at a time and follow these storage instructions to maximize storage lifetimes. Once you have harvested your French corn salad microgreens gently wrap them in a clean, dry paper towel and place them in an airtight storage container or storage bag.

Place your French corn salad microgreens immediately in your refrigerator. For best results, place your microgreens in the vegetable crisper. The optimal storage temperature for French corn salad microgreens is between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When properly harvested and stored, your French corn salad microgreens will last about two weeks in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

French corn salad microgreens are a delicious microgreen chockful of vital nutrients. These microgreens are a crunchy, mild-flavored, and a terrific addition to microgreen salads. The small bright, green leaves add interest to any plate when they are used as a garnish. Mache lettuce microgreens are easy to grow, making them a great microgreen for a beginner as well as pro microgreen gardeners.

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How To Grow French Corn Salad Microgreens
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About The Author
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.

Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Jon Smith

Founder/Writer
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