Heirloom Mesclun Salad Mix is an easy to grow flavorful blend of tender lettuces and vibrant baby greens for fresh, gourmet salads straight from your garden. This carefully balanced blend includes heirloom varieties of arugula, mizuna, tatsoi, endive, kale, mustard and classic lettuces like Red Romaine, Oakleaf, and Black Seeded Simpson. “Cut-and-come-again” and quick to harvest, these greens offer a range of colors, textures. and flavors. From mild and buttery to peppery and crisp. Enjoy a beautiful, nutrient-rich salad straight from your garden!
This custom mix includes:
Arugula, Endive, Mustard ‘Green Wave’, Mustard ‘Mizuna’, Mustard ‘Tatsoi’, Lettuce ‘Red Romaine’, Lettuce ‘Oakleaf’, Lettuce ‘Black Seeded Simpson’, and Kale ‘Red Russian’.
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All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
Heirloom
Organic
Non-GMO
Open Pollinated
Untreated
US Grown
Growing instructions included
Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded recycled mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
Most orders ship out the next business day. Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat Rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.
Common Names: Gourmet Mesclun Mix, Baby Greens Mix, Heirloom Salad Mix, Cut-and-Come-Again Mix
Type: Vegetable / Salad Greens Mix
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 3 - 10
Stratification: Not Required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Moisture: Moderate, consistent moisture for tender leaves
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Height: 4 – 12 inches depending on harvest stage
Spread: Variable depending on spacing
Color: Varied shades of green, bronze, and red
Bloom Season: Harvested before flowering stage
Companion Plants: Radish, carrot, beets, and herbs like dill or chives
Potential Toxicity: None known
Climate Adaptability: Cool-season mix; tolerates light frost; best in spring or fall
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring, or in late summer to early fall for a second harvest.
When to Start Inside:
Can be started indoors in trays 3–4 weeks before last frost for early greens.
Days to Emerge:
5–10 days
Seed Depth:
¼ inch deep
Seed Spacing:
Scatter evenly for dense baby greens, or sow 1 inch apart in rows for larger leaves.
Row Spacing:
6–8 inches apart
Hardiness:
Frost-tolerant annual mix; prefers cool weather for best flavor and tenderness.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
Prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Consistent moisture helps prevent bitterness.
Watering:
Keep evenly moist throughout growth; shallow roots dry quickly, especially in containers.
Light and Temperature:
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade to extend harvest. Ideal growing temperatures are 50–70°F.
Maintenance:
Harvest young leaves often to encourage new growth. Remove any plants that bolt (flower) to keep greens tender.
Container Friendly:
Excellent for containers and raised beds. Choose a pot at least 6 inches deep with good drainage.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Begin harvesting when leaves are 3–5 inches tall, usually 25–35 days after sowing. For a “cut-and-come-again” harvest, trim outer leaves and allow inner leaves to regrow.
How to Harvest:
Use clean scissors or a sharp knife to snip leaves just above the soil line. Avoid uprooting the plants if you want continued harvests.
Drying and Storing:
Mesclun greens are best eaten fresh. Rinse gently, spin dry, and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Edible Use:
Perfect for fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches, or as garnishes. The mix offers a blend of flavors—peppery arugula, mild lettuce, and spicy mustard—for a delicious balance.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
For seed saving, allow individual plants to bolt and flower. Collect seeds once pods or seed heads dry on the plant.
Seed Cleaning:
Shake or rub seeds free from dried pods or flowers.
Seed Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 3–4 years.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
If allowed to flower, mustard and kale varieties produce nectar-rich blossoms that attract bees and beneficial insects.
Origin:
“Mesclun” comes from the Provençal word meaning “to mix.” Traditional French mesclun blends include a mix of mild and spicy greens harvested young for tender salads.
Nomenclature:
The term “mesclun” originated in Southern France, describing any young salad mix of tender leafy greens.
History:
Mesclun mixes became popular in European markets for their fresh, gourmet flavor and later spread to the U.S. in the 1980s. This heirloom blend includes time-honored varieties like Black Seeded Simpson and Red Romaine, providing color, texture, and old-world taste in every harvest.
Potential Toxicity:
Non-toxic and safe for all culinary uses.
Climate Adaptability:
Ideal for spring and fall planting in most regions. Performs well in cool climates and can tolerate light frost. In hot weather, greens may bolt quickly, so partial shade and regular watering are beneficial.
