Mesclun Mix Asian is an organically grown, colourful and flavourful baby leaf blend with a distinctive Asian character. The mix includes dark green smooth Swiss chard with white stems, red Mizuna, green Mizuna, turnip greens, Tatsoi, Pak Choi, Chinese cabbage 'Granaat' and mustard greens 'Golden Frills'. The young leaves grow to approximately 15 - 30 cm in height but are usually harvested when they are 8 - 15 cm tall for the best flavour and tenderness. This fast-growing mix is ideal for cultivation in spring and summer and can be harvested shortly after sowing. Cut the young leaves just above the growing points so the plants regrow and can be harvested several times. This provides a continuous supply of fresh baby leaves over an extended period.
Culinarily, Mesclun Mix Asian is exceptionally versatile. The combination of tender, crisp and mildly spicy leaves creates an interesting flavour profile with gentle mustard notes, fresh cabbage flavours and a subtle peppery finish. It is delicious as the base for salads and pairs perfectly with cucumber, carrot, radish, avocado, spring onion, coriander, sesame seeds and dressings made with soy sauce, sesame oil or lime. The young leaves are also excellent as a topping for poke bowls, wraps, sandwiches and burgers, or can be briefly stir-fried at the last moment in wok dishes, noodle recipes and rice dishes. They also make a fresh garnish for fish, chicken, tofu and grilled vegetables. 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.
