Two things that make Mesclun attractive to grow.
Typically, it’s possible for you to start harvesting Mescluns one month after sowing the seeds.
What Is Mesclun?
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
It contains at least four different types of tender, leafy greens in varying amounts.
For a very early spring harvest, transplants are recommended to begin harvesting earlier in the season.
As the weather warms.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Succession plantings (sowing seeds weekly) will keep the supply plentiful.
In northern locations with cool summers, you might be able to grow mesclun all through the summer.
Water
For a tender texture, mesclun greens need plenty of water.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Most of the greens are shallow-rooted and require daily watering.
The soil should remain moist but not soggy.
Be sure container-grown mesclun has proper drainage.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Mesclun is a favorite forhydroponic gardening.
Reapply a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer after each cutting.
A traditional mix includes arugula, lettuce, chervil, and endive.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
There are pre-mixed mesclun seed packets or select your favorite greens for planting.
Harvesting Mesclun
Frequent harvesting is the key to tender, flavorful mesclun.
If you have a mixed planting of mesclun greens, clear-cut an entire area at a time.
Leaving the plant with some green growth is called the “cut-and-come-again method”.
Cutting at this level will not damage the crown of the plants.
To use, rinse the freshly cut leaves in cool water to remove dust or dirt and drain well.
Discard any leaves damaged by insects or weeds that may have slipped into the garden.
Use a good potting mix and moisten it thoroughly before planting seeds.
Sow seeds densely about one-half inch apart.
Scatter them on the moist potting mix and then sprinkle with one-fourth inch of potting soil.
Water daily using a gentle sprinkle.
Place the container where it will receive at least five hours of full sun per day.
Apply a half-strength soluble fertilizer when the plants are 4 to 6 inches tall and then every two weeks.
Pruning
As annual vegetable plants, mesclun does not require pruning other than when harvesting.
Propagating Mesclun
Mesclun greens should be started from seed.
It is possible tosave lettuce seedsif you find a variety you love.
Plant in a large pot so the plants do not need to be disturbed during the growing season.
Overwintering
Mesclun does not overwinter.
However, in the right conditions, you cangrow mesclun indoorsthroughout the year.
However, you might noticeaphids, slugs, and snails, as well as wildlife nibbling on the leaves.
Diseases includepowdery mildewand downy mildew.
The greens will begin to sprout about two weeks after planting and harvesting typically begins within one month.
The mesclun greens are annuals that do not return.
1997 - Year of Mesclun.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Getting the Most out of Your Vegetable Garden Soil Test Report.
Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
