Gala Mâche

ANNUAL Spring harvest Frost hardy EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS Mâche grows best sown in cooler weather to provide late fall and/or early spring salads. It tolerates light frosts well. In Cold Winter Areas, plant in mid-August for a fall crop or as early in spring as ground can be worked. In Mild Winter Areas, late summer/early fall planted mache will overwinter to fill the first spring salad bowls. Sow seed 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 6 to 8 inches apart or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Seeds germinate slowly and unevenly over 14 to 28 days. Keep seed bed evenly moist during germination. Thin seedlings 3 inches apart when plants are large enough to handle. Keep well weeded and protect from slugs and snails. GROWING NOTES Mâche grows more slowly than lettuce, taking up to 3 months to fully mature. It needs a good supply of moisture, regular weeding, and does best in cool weather. When ready for harvest, each mature plant forms a rosette of leaves that measures three to five inches across. Harvest by cutting entire leafy rosettes. Leave some plants to go to seed as they will self-sow readily. Enjoy its delicate texture and nutty flavor with a simple vinaigrette dressing made with walnut oil or good olive oil.