When it comes to growing your own salad greens, nothing beats the zesty flavor and variety of a Spicy Mesclun Mix. Mesclun is a term that dates back to ancient times, when it referred to a mix of tender, young greens that were harvested and eaten on a daily basis. Today, mesclun typically includes a variety of lettuces, such as oakleaf, kale, and baby greens, each adding their own unique flavor and texture to the mix.
Growing mesclun is a relatively easy and rewarding task. They can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, making them suitable for both small urban gardens and larger vegetable patches. They require full sunlight and regular watering, but be sure to avoid overwatering as this can lead to diseases and pests. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the humidity and rainfall in your area.
When planting mesclun, you can either start from seeds or purchase baby seedlings from your local nursery. If starting from seeds, sprinkle them thinly over the soil and cover lightly with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 1-2 weeks. If using seedlings, simply repot them into larger containers or directly into your garden.
Once your mesclun is planted and growing, it’s important to provide them with regular care. This includes thinning out the seedlings to give them enough space to grow and harvesting the outer leaves of the lettuce to encourage new growth. To harvest, simply cut the leaves at the base of the plant using a sharp knife or pair of scissors. If you want a continuous supply of mesclun throughout the summer months, consider planting a new batch every two weeks.
In terms of pests, mesclun is generally not as susceptible as other vegetables, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids and slugs. If you do encounter any pests, there are organic pest control methods available, such as using insecticidal soap or picking them off by hand.
When it comes to fertilizing your mesclun, a half-strength liquid fertilizer can be applied every two weeks to promote healthy growth. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for the correct dosage. Additionally, mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
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As summer comes to a close and the first frost approaches, you can either let your mesclun plants die back or you can attempt to overwinter them. To overwinter, dig up the plants and place them in pots indoors or in a greenhouse. Provide them with enough sunlight and regular watering, and they may continue to produce new growth throughout the winter months.
With their wide variety of flavors and textures, growing your own Spicy Mesclun Mix is a great way to add excitement to your salads. Whether you have a small square foot garden or a large vegetable patch, mesclun can be an enjoyable and rewarding addition to any home garden.
“The care and attention you give to your mesclun will pay off in the form of fresh and flavorful salad greens all season long.”
Lettuce Mesclun Zesty Salad Mix – Item 3488
To get started with planting, you’ll need a plastic tray or a container with drainage holes. Fill it with fine soil and sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Within a week or two, you’ll see tiny seedlings emerging from the soil. At this time, you can repot them into individual containers, leaving enough space for the roots to grow.
For the best growth, make sure the seedlings receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. The ideal temperature for their growth is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the plants mature, you can begin to harvest the leaves. The leaves are at their peak flavor when they are still young and tender. To harvest, simply cut the leaves from the plant, leaving about an inch of the stem above the soil level. This technique allows the plant to continue growing new leaves during the growing season.
In the garden, you can plant the Lettuce Mesclun Zesty Salad Mix alongside other greens like kale, frisee, and mustard greens. This mix is a great addition to any salad or sandwich.
When overwintering the greens, make sure they are covered and protected from extreme weather conditions.
If you encounter any diseases or pests, it’s important to take swift action. Some common diseases that affect lettuce mesclun include downy mildew and bottom rot. To prevent these diseases, make sure to water the plants at the soil level and avoid overhead watering, as this can create a moist environment that is conducive to disease.
For additional information on planting, growing, and harvesting lettuce mesclun, refer to our online source for tips and tricks. Here you will find useful information on how to test your soil, when to water, and how to care for your greens.
So why wait? Add some zing to your salads with our Lettuce Mesclun Zesty Salad Mix – Item 3488 and enjoy the delicious flavors of this spicy greens mixture.
Additional information
If you prefer to grow your own spicy baby greens, here are some tips and information to get you started.
Seeds: Sow the seeds in well-draining soil, about half an inch deep. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil and cover lightly. Water the soil gently to settle the seeds in place.
Temperature: Baby greens prefer cool temperatures, around 55-70°F (13-21°C). They can tolerate light frost, but it’s best to protect them with row covers if the temperature drops below freezing.
Sunlight: Spicy baby greens need about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown indoors, place them near a sunny window or provide them with grow lights.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as it can promote diseases. Water the plants at their base.
Fertilizer: If the soil lacks nutrients, you can use a half-strength liquid fertilizer, high in nitrogen, to promote healthy growth.
Harvesting: You can begin harvesting the greens when they reach about 4-6 inches tall. Cut the leaves just above the soil level, and new leaves will continue to grow.
Overwintering: Some common spicy baby greens, like kale and mustard, can be overwintered in containers or in the ground. Cover them with row covers or place them in a protected area to extend their growing season.
Pests: Aphids, flea beetles, and slugs are common pests that may attack your baby greens. Keep an eye out for any signs of damage and take appropriate measures to control them, like using insecticidal soap or organic pest control methods.
Flavors: Spicy baby greens come in a wide variety of flavors. Some common ones include arugula, frisée, mustard, sorrel, and oakleaf lettuce. Mix and match different greens to create flavorful and nutritious salads.
Additional information: For more information on growing your own spicy baby greens, consult gardening books or websites specialized in vegetable cultivation. They will provide you with detailed instructions, photos, and useful tips to ensure successful growth.
Planting Harvesting
When to Plant: Spicy Mesclun Mix can be planted in spring, as soon as the weather is warm enough and there is no danger of frost. It can also be planted in the fall for a winter harvest.
Where to Plant: Select a sunny location with well-draining soil for planting spicy mesclun mix. It prefers full sunlight, but it can tolerate light shade.
How to Plant: Start by preparing the soil. Remove any weeds or debris and loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. Add compost or a balanced fertilizer to provide nutrients for the growing plants. Then, sprinkle the spicy mesclun mix seeds evenly over the prepared soil. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Water the area gently, being careful not to wash away the seeds.
After planting, keep the soil moist to aid in germination. Within a few days, you should start to see small seedlings emerging from the soil. As the plants grow, thin them to about 6 inches apart to allow enough space for each plant to mature.
Harvesting: Spicy mesclun mix can be harvested when the leaves reach about 3 inches in length. You can either harvest the entire plant by cutting it just above the soil level or selectively harvest by picking leaves as needed. This cut-and-come-again technique allows the plants to continue growing and provides a continuous supply of fresh greens throughout the season.
The harvested spicy mesclun mix can be used in a variety of recipes, including salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Its zesty flavor adds a delicious kick to any dish.
Pests and Diseases: Spicy mesclun mix is generally a low-maintenance plant and is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it is always a good idea to keep an eye out for any signs of damage or infestation. Aphids and slugs are the most common pests that may affect the plants. Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for any signs of pests and take appropriate measures if necessary.
To prevent diseases, avoid overwatering the plants and provide adequate air circulation. Water the plants at the base, rather than overhead, to prevent moisture from sitting on the leaves for too long. If you notice any signs of disease, such as wilting or discoloration, remove the affected plants to prevent further spread.
Additional Information
- Growing Tips: To grow the Spicy Mesclun Mix, select a sunny spot in your garden or in pots. Spinacia, kale, and sorrel prefer a well-drained soil, while lettuce varieties can tolerate a wider range of soil types. Sow the seeds in early spring or in the late afternoon for best results. Make sure to water the plants well, taking care not to over-water, as this can lead to diseases. When harvesting, select the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
- Seed Information: The seeds of the Spicy Mesclun Mix are a blend of various salad greens from the same family. Each packet contains approximately 15 baby plants, which will grow into a colorful and flavorful salad mix. The seeds have a high germination rate and can be stored for at least 3 years.
- Harvesting and Storage: Harvest the greens within 4-8 weeks after planting, when they reach a height of 4-6 inches. To harvest, simply cut the leaves at the base, leaving a few inches of stem. Rinse the greens well and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for several days.
- Flavors and Nutrition: The Spicy Mesclun Mix offers a delightful blend of flavors, including peppery, nutty, and earthy notes. It is packed with essential nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and beta-carotene. Enjoy the mix in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish for various dishes.
- Pests and Diseases: While the Spicy Mesclun Mix is generally resistant to pests and diseases, it’s still important to monitor your plants for any signs of trouble. Common pests include aphids, slugs, and snails. To control pests, remove any affected leaves and use organic pest control methods. If you notice any diseases, such as leaf spot or fungal infections, treat them immediately with appropriate fungicides or organic remedies.
- Additional Care: To ensure healthy and vigorous growth, provide adequate water and sunlight to your plants. Water the greens regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Use a half-strength liquid nitrogen fertilizer every month to promote leafy growth. If you’re growing the greens indoors, make sure they receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day and rotate the pots to ensure even growth.
- Source and Photos: All the Spicy Mesclun Mix seeds are sourced from trusted suppliers who follow sustainable farming practices. The product photos on the website are for illustrative purposes only and may vary slightly from the actual product.
