Mesclun Mix is an organically grown, colourful and flavourful blend of various leafy vegetables. It contains a selection of lettuce varieties combined with rocket (arugula). The combination of tender, crisp and slightly peppery leaves creates a well-balanced flavour and an attractive mix of colours. Thanks to the diversity of leaf shapes and tastes, this baby leaf mix is ready to enjoy immediately after harvest and makes the perfect base for fresh salads.
The young leaves are delicious on their own as a salad but can also be mixed with other lettuce varieties to add extra flavour, colour and texture. Mesclun pairs wonderfully with tomatoes, cucumber, sweet peppers, avocado, radishes, red onion, nuts, seeds and soft cheeses such as goat's cheese or mozzarella. It also complements chicken, smoked salmon, prawns, tuna, ham and grilled vegetables. The leaves are equally suitable as a fresh garnish for sandwiches, wraps, burgers, pizzas and filled rolls, or as the base for a poke bowl or meal salad. Because the leaves are harvested young, they are exceptionally tender and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
For a prolonged harvest, only the outer leaves should be cut while leaving the growing point intact. This allows the plants to regrow, making it possible to harvest from the same plants several times. Non hardy annual. Height: 15 - 30 cm.
Outdoor sowing: April - September
Germination: 7-10 dagen
Germination temp.: 5 - 18 °C
Sowing depth: ½ cm
Planting distance: 2 - 3 cm
Distance between the rows: 15 cm
Plant position: sunny - light shade in summer
Days till harvest: 21 - 28 days
Mesclun Mix is sown directly outdoors and is one of the fastest-growing leafy vegetables for the home garden. Sow from April to September, once the soil has warmed up sufficiently and can be worked easily. By sowing a small amount every two to three weeks, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh baby leaves throughout most of the growing season. Choose a sunny location with fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture well. During hot summer weather, light afternoon shade can help delay bolting and keep the leaves tender for longer. Loosen the soil thoroughly and remove stones and weeds before sowing.
Sow the seeds thinly in shallow drills about ½ cm deep, leaving 15 cm between the rows. As lettuce seed is very small, it can be mixed with dry sand to achieve a more even distribution. Cover the seeds with only a very thin layer of soil and gently firm the surface. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. At a soil temperature of 5–18 °C, seedlings usually emerge within 7 - 10 days.
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to a spacing of 2 - 3 cm if necessary. The thinned young leaves are perfectly edible. Water regularly during dry periods to keep the leaves tender and reduce the risk of bolting.
The first harvest is usually possible after 21 - 28 days, when the leaves are about 10 - 15 cm long. Harvest by cutting only the outer leaves, or cut the plants a few centimetres above the soil. Leave the growing point and roots intact so the plants can regrow and be harvested several times. Regular harvesting encourages the production of fresh young leaves and significantly extends the harvest period.
For a continuous supply of fresh Mesclun Mix, sow small quantities every few weeks. This will provide a steady harvest of tender, flavourful baby leaves throughout most of the growing season.
