When to plant Corn Salad in Subtropical Australia

Subtropical zone — applies to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and similar areas. Growing elsewhere? Temperate · Cool · Tropical · Arid.

Sow corn salad direct from April to August, once the wet-season humidity has eased and nights have cooled. Scatter or drill seed about 5 mm deep, thinning plants to 10–15 cm with rows 20–25 cm apart. Germination takes 7–14 days in cool soil, and the small rosettes are ready to cut in 45–60 days. This mild, nutty salad green (also called mache) is one of the few leafy crops that actually prefers a subtropical winter, when Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast finally drop into its comfort range. Sow small patches every few weeks for a steady supply through the cooler months.

Sowing calendar — subtropical zone

Green months are your sowing window: April to August.

Growing notes

Corn salad is a cool-season crop that only works in the subtropics during the mild, drier winter. Sown into warm, humid soil it bolts almost immediately or simply fails to establish, so keep it to the April to August window and forget it once spring warmth returns.

Grow it in a bed that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade, in soil that holds moisture without staying soggy. Keep the surface evenly damp during germination, as the fine seed will not push through a dried crust.

The main failure mode here is heat-triggered bolting. If a warm snap runs the plants up to flower, the leaves turn bitter and tough. Harvest young, cut whole rosettes rather than waiting for size, and get your last sowing in by late August so plants mature before the humidity climbs. In wet spells around Lismore and Coffs Harbour, watch for slugs and downy patches on crowded leaves; wider spacing and good airflow keep foliage dry and clean.

Corn Salad at a glance

Common questions

when to plant corn salad in Brisbane

Sow direct from April to August, through the cooler, drier part of the subtropical year. Avoid spring and summer sowings, as the humidity and heat cause it to bolt or fail to germinate.

why did my corn salad bolt so fast

Corn salad bolts when soil and air get warm, which happens early in the subtropics. Keep it to autumn and winter sowings and harvest the rosettes young before any warm spell pushes them to flower.

how long does corn salad take to grow

Seed germinates in 7–14 days and plants are ready to cut in about 45–60 days. Successive small sowings give a continuous winter supply.

how deep do you sow corn salad seed

Sow about 5 mm deep and keep the surface consistently moist until seedlings appear. Thin to 10–15 cm apart with rows 20–25 cm apart.

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