Start indoors or direct sow?

Direct sow corn salad because it develops best with little root disturbance and is easy to establish in place. It can be grown in beds, containers, or under season extension covers.

When to start Corn Salad seeds

Sow outdoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost, as soon as soil can be worked. For fall and winter harvests, sow in late summer through early fall, often 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost.

How to sow the seeds

Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in finely prepared, moist soil, spacing them thinly in rows or broad bands. For container growing, use a pot at least 6 inches deep filled with fresh, well-drained potting mix.

Germination

Seeds commonly germinate in 7 to 14 days, sometimes more slowly in cold soil. Soil near 50 to 65 F and consistently light moisture support even emergence.

Seedling care

Grow plants in sun during cool weather or partial shade as temperatures rise, and keep soil evenly moist. Thin seedlings to about 3 to 6 inches apart, maintain airflow, and avoid overwatering crowded plants to limit damping off.

Transplanting & hardening off

Direct sown, so no transplanting is needed. If using nursery starts, move them very young and carefully, but direct seeding is the preferred approach.

Tips

Make small repeat sowings every 2 to 3 weeks for a longer harvest. Warm weather can reduce germination and cause plants to bolt, so shade and cool-season timing help.

General seed-starting guidance for US home gardens; timing depends on your local frost dates and variety. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.