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Mesclun microgreens are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. They are also very easy to grow, and a great project even for beginners.
To grow Mesclun Microgreens, start by choosing a suitable container with drainage holes and fill it with quality potting soil. Scatter mesclun seeds evenly across the soil, lightly press them in, and water gently. Cover with an inverted tray until germination, then provide ample light. Maintain moist soil, and once the greens reach 2-3 inches with first true leaves, harvest by snipping them at the base, ideally as baby greens for a fuller harvest.
The good news is you can skip the trips to the grocery store and grow your own. Even if it’s your first time gardening you can have great success growing mesclun mix microgreens seeds.
In this blog post, we will walk you through how to grow mesclun microgreens at home in 7 easy steps.
Mesclun is not the same as lettuce microgreens although there are lettuce seeds in the mesclun mix.
What Is Mesclun Mix?
Mesclun is a mix of young, tender salad greens. It typically includes a variety of lettuce varieties, as well as other greens such as arugula, endive, and radicchio.
The mix can vary depending on the season and the grower, but the idea is to provide a diverse blend of flavors and textures in a single salad.
A mesclun seed mix is a blend of seeds for different salad greens that can be grown together to create a mesclun salad.
By growing the seeds together, you can create a diverse mix of young, tender greens for your salads. This is one of the best ways to grow a salad with varied ingredients all at once.
Since the mix can vary depending on the season and the grower, so be sure to read the label to see what is included in the mix.
I found the mesclun mix pictured below on Amazon and it appears to be a good mix with a lot of different plants in it.
A lot of the mesclun mixes being sold seem to be mostly lettuce. This one seems to have the best combination for a tasty mesclun salad mix.
These mesclun mix microgreen seeds contain Kale: Red Russian, Arugula, Lettuce: Oakleaf, Mustard: Red Giant, Mustard: Green Wave, Mustard: Mizuna, Chinese Cabbage: Pak Choi, Lettuce: Bronze Mignonette, Lettuce: Winter Density, Lettuce: Super Red Romaine
How To Grow Mesclun Microgreens 7 Easy Steps
Most microgreens are harvested when they start to show their first true leaves. I think you really want to grow these young plants as baby greens.
You can grow your mesclun 2 different ways either as microgreens or baby greens which is what I recommend even though it takes a bit longer you will have a bigger harvest.
The mix I chose has kale microgreens and several other brassicas in it which add vitamin e. I like that because cruciferous vegetables have a lot of health benefits.
This mix also has several red lettuces including oak leaf and romaine lettuce and also spicy greens like mustard greens to tickle your taste buds.
This is truly square foot gardening at its best maybe even square inch gardening. So get your seed order in. This one is a good choice. Find or buy some trays and some growing medium and now it’s time to learn how to grow salad mix microgreens and how to grow mesclun in containers.
Step 1: Choose the right container or pot.
Mesclun microgreens can be grown either in a container or in soil. For beginners, we recommend using 1020 seed flats with drainage holes at the bottom.
Make sure to choose a tray that is large enough to hold your mesclun greens and has enough room for them to spread out.
Step 2: Add soil to your chosen container.
Choose a good growing medium with good drainage. Use a good quality organic potting soil mix for coco coir for best results.
Fill the container with soil, making sure not to pack it down too tightly.
Step 3: Plant your seeds
Get your seed packet ready. Sprinkle your mesclun seeds evenly over the soil surface. Try not to bunch seeds up but get them about 1/2 inch apart.
Don’t worry about it too much because you can thin extra plants out later.
If you are going to grow them as baby salad greens instead of microgreens your seeds can be further apart. Sow closer for microgreens.
I use an inverted tray to cover the seeds but I remove the tray once the seeds germinate.
Step 4: Water your mesclun seeds
Lightly water the soil with a spray bottle until it is damp but not saturated. Make sure not to over-water your mesclun greens.
Step 5: Give them light
Place the container in a sunny, warm spot in your home and keep them in direct sunlight.
They can handle full sun as long as the temperature doesn’t get too hot. Most greens are cool weather crops but they love light.
If necessary, you can also use grow lights for extra light and warmth. If you live in most parts of North America you will need a grow light during the winter months.
Step 6: Check on your mesclun microgreens daily
Make sure they’re getting enough moisture and light. Water lightly when needed and add more light if necessary. Microgreens will be ready in 2 weeks.
Baby mesclun greens will take another 2 weeks. It’s worth the wait because you can harvest individual leaves and extend your harvest.
Step 7: Harvest
Time to harvest the leaves when they are 2-3 inches tall with the first set of true leaves by cutting them off at the base of the stem.
You can use scissors or a sharp knife. I don’t think harvesting mesclun as microgreens is the best way to grow your mesclun mix.
Let them grow larger and harvest them as baby greens Don’t cut your mesclun at the soil line.
Instead harvest the green leaves as individual leaves instead. This way you can extend your harvest and have a continuous supply if you don’t cut the plant.
That’s it! You now know How To Grow Mesclun Microgreens. Growing mesclun microgreens is a great and easy way to add a healthy boost of nutrition to any meal.
What Is Mesclun?
Mesclun is a mix of young salad greens that originated in Provence, France. It typically includes a combination of lettuces, arugula, endive, and other leafy greens.
The name “mesclun” comes from the Provençal word “mesclumo,” which means “mixture.” It is often used in salads or as a garnish for other dishes.
Mesclun microgreens are grown from a mix of these baby greens and are harvested when the leaves are only 2-3 inches tall.
They are packed with flavor and nutrition and make a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and more. So why not try growing your own mesclun microgreens at home today?
How Do you Eat Mesclun Microgreens?
Mesclun microgreens can be eaten in a variety of ways. They can be used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or as a garnish on top of soups, stews, and other dishes.
They can also be used as a topping for pizza or added to smoothies for an extra boost of nutrients.
Because they are so delicate, it is best to add them to dishes just before serving to preserve their flavor and texture.
How Do You Store Mesclun Microgreens?
Mesclun microgreens are best stored in the refrigerator, in a container with ventilation holes, and not in an airtight container, or plastic bag without holes.
This will help keep them fresh for up to a week. They should be kept dry and away from moisture, which can cause them to spoil.
To extend their shelf life, you can also store them in a paper towel or cloth, which will help to absorb any excess moisture.
It is important to use them as soon as possible, as they can lose their flavor and texture quickly.
Here is more on how to store microgreens.
FAQs
Delving into the verdant world of mesclun microgreens brings forth a slew of inquiries.
From the nuances of indoor cultivation to the specifics of their nutritional bounty, each question unveils a facet of these tender greens awaiting exploration.
Here are some commonly asked questions to guide you through your mesclun microgreens journey.
Q. What Else Should I Know About Mesclun?
A. There are a few other things you might want to know about mesclun.
For example, mesclun is a great source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, as well as folate, iron, and calcium.
The addition of kale and other brassicas to this mesclun mix also adds vitamin e.
It is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.
Additionally, because mesclun is made up of a mix of different greens, it offers a variety of flavors and textures, making it an interesting and versatile ingredient to use in salads and other dishes.
Q. How Do You Grow Mesclun Indoors?
A. To grow mesclun indoors, you will need a sunny location, a container with drainage holes, potting soil, and mesclun seeds.
First, fill the container with potting soil and moisten it slightly. Sprinkle the mesclun seeds evenly over the surface of the soil and press them down gently.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them lightly. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and provide plenty of sunlight.
The mesclun seeds should sprout in about 7-14 days. When the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall, they are ready to be harvested.
To harvest, simply snip off the greens with scissors, starting at the outer edges and working your way inward. This will allow the plants to continue growing, so you can harvest them multiple times.
Q. What Is The Best Temperature And Light Requirements For Growing Mesclun Greens?
A. The best temperature for growing mesclun greens is an optimal soil temperature between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Mesclun greens are cool-weather crops.
They also require plenty of sunlight, so it is important to place them in a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Q. What Are The Best Growing Conditions?
A. As for soil, mesclun greens do best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure it has good drainage.
Water them regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Try using a spray bottle and misting them.
You can also provide additional nutrients by fertilizing the soil with compost or a balanced liquid fertilizer.
These conditions will provide the best growing environment for mesclun greens.
Q. What soil is best for growing Mesclun Microgreens?
A. A well-draining, nutrient-rich soil is ideal for Mesclun Microgreens.
Organic potting soil mixed with some coco coir or perlite to enhance drainage works well.
Additionally, a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost can be used to provide extra nutrients.
Q. Can Mesclun Microgreens grow in partial shade?
A. Mesclun Microgreens thrive best with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
However, they can manage in partial shade, but the growth might be slower and the leaves less vibrant. Utilizing grow lights can offset the lack of natural sunlight.
Q. How often should I water my Mesclun Microgreens?
A. Watering needs may vary, but it’s crucial to keep the soil moist without waterlogging it.
It’s advisable to mist them lightly with a spray bottle, ensuring the soil remains damp, especially during the germination phase.
Final Thoughts
Growing mesclun microgreens at home is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.
With the right supplies, a sunny location, and some patience, you can easily grow these delicate greens in just 14 days.
When harvesting them, make sure to start at the outer edges of the container and work your way inward.
If you don’t cut them off at the soil line but harvest leaves instead the plants will grow more leaves.
This will allow you to harvest multiple times, ensuring that your mesclun is always fresh and flavorful.
With the right conditions, growing mesclun microgreens at home can be a rewarding experience.
Not sure if growing microgreens is right for you? Here are 5 reasons why you should grow microgreens.
