How to Grow Mesclun Lettuce
Mesclun isn't a single variety of lettuce. Rather, it's a combination of
several varieties of loose leaf lettuces, all in one seed packet. The dictionary
definition states it can also contain a variety of herbs and even edible
flowering plants. Gardeners love this loose leaf mixture, as it spells "variety"
in the salad bowl. Mesclun lovers savor the varying colors, textures, and
tastes.
To give you an idea of what may be in a Mesclun mix, here is what Ferry Morse
includes in their Mesclun seed packet: Arugula, kale, red and green romaine,
salad Bowl and Lolla Rosa lettuce.
Days to Maturity:
Mesclun is ready to harvest in 40-60 days. each lettuce in the mix, may have
a different number of days to harvest. But, once they reach a harvestable
size, the plants should produce for weeks.
Sowing Mesclun Seeds:
Mesclun seeds are very fine. When planting in rows, spread the seeds as thinly
as possible. You can also broadcast the seeds over an area, instead of planting
in a row. No matter how hard you try, the seeds are difficult to disperse
with the proper spacing. Hard as it may be, thinning seedlings will result
in a better crop. Cover the seeds with a very fine layer of loose soil or
starting mixture.
Tip: Some people sprinkle the seeds on top of a fine soil, and just
water them in.
Mesclun is not meant to transplant. They will grow just fine in an outdoor
container on your patio or deck. When it comes time to harvest, just
step outside your door and snip as many leaves as you need.
How to Grow Mesclun:
Growing Mesclun is easy.
Lettuce contained in a Mesclun mix, likes cool weather and lots of moisture,
in rich, well drained soil. The key to growing Mesclun, is to provide plenty
of moisture and fertilizer. Liquid fertilizer works well.
Succession planting is a popular practice with all lettuces. Plant successive
crops for a constant supply of Mesclun. Plant small sections in your garden
every couple of weeks.
Harvesting:
Pick Mesclun as soon as it is big enough to use. We recommend harvesting
with a clean, sharp knife or scissors.
Insects and Pests:
Bunnies like all kinds of lettuce. Got bunnies!? Then, a rabbit fence
is in your future.
A variety of insects can pose a real problem. Lettuce is delicate and can
absorb many insecticides. If you want or need to use insecticides,
look for brands that are less harmful to you and the environment. We like
to avoid insecticides on leafy vegetables wherever possible. we suggest organic
sprays, and a willingness to give up some of the harvest to insects, versus
using pesticides. After all, one of the reasons most of us have gardens is
to avoid the pesticides.
Slugs are a real problem for all types of lettuces. There are a variety of
control methods. More on Slugs and snails.
Disease:
Mesclun grows quickly and has a short life span. Disease problems are few,
except in wet weather. In hot weather, they can get bitter, and they can
rot.
Plant Problems - Diagnosis,
causes and cures for many common plant problems.
Hardiness:
Like other lettuce, Mesclun thrives in cooler weather, with moderate moisture.
It is not fond of mid-summer heat, or dry conditions. Many gardeners will
plant a crop for spring and early summer harvest, leaving the mid summer
months to the tomatoes and the corn. Then, as the late summer heat begins
to wane, they plant a new lettuce crop for a fall harvest.
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More Information:
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