Mesclun Growing Guide

WHY CHOOSE MESCLUN

Mesclun is a mix of young salad leaves that come in different colours and textures. It’s easy to grow and packed with nutrients - perfect for fresh, tasty salads. It’s a versatile favourite for home cooks and an affordable, easy crop to grow yourself.

Whether you choose seedlings for ease or seeds for affordability, follow planting instructions on each packet or label. Refer to Tui's  Planting Calendar for when to plant in your region.

prepare the soil

• Mesclun love full sun from autumn to spring, and partial shade through the heat of summer.
• They prefer a rich, free-draining base so try mixing Tui Compost and Tui Organic Sheep Pellets into your garden bed to give the soil structure and replace nutrients.

get Planting

• It’s best to plant in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun isn’t too intense, to avoid wilting.
• To reduce transplant shock, soak the seedlings in Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic and allow to drain.
• Select your planting spot - mesclun is typically planted in dense clumps instead of spacing individual plants apart.  
• If you’re planting in the garden add a layer of Tui Vegetable Mix; developed to give vege crops a strong start and includes a blend of fertilisers, sheep pellets, blood & bone and dolomite lime to support initial plant growth. 
• If you’re planting in pots and containers, fill with Tui Vegetable Mix.
• Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball, then place seedlings into the planting hole and fill around it.
• Water well and maintain regular watering.
  

feed and Nourish

• Feed your plants and they will feed you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your plants grow to their full potential.
• Choose from a variety of different Tui fertiliser options, depending on what suits you.  
  • Tui Vege & Herb Liquid Superfood is perfect for quick results as plants are able to absorb the nutrients immediately. For best results feed weekly.
  • Tui Vegetable Food is a granular option formulated specifically for veges planted in garden beds. It can be applied every four weeks.
  • Enrich Vege, Tomato & Herb Controlled Release Fertiliser lasts up to six months, making it perfect for gardeners who prefer a ‘feed and forget’ option. It’s also suitable for pots and containers.
  • Tui Performance Organics Tomato & Vegetable Fertiliser pellets are an organic option that can be used both in the garden and in pots and containers.   
• Keep soil free of weeds and protect roots with Tui Pea Straw as the weather cools.
• Protect from slugs and snails by applying Tui Quash every few weeks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant mesclun salad greens?

• You can grow mesclun salad greens almost all year round! Check out our interactive planting calendar (link) for region-specific advice.
• To enjoy fresh mesclun salads year-round, sow seeds every couple of weeks.
• If you’ve previously grown mesclun or similar leafy greens in the same spot, rotate crops to avoid pests and soil-borne diseases.

How long does it take for mesclun to grow and be ready for harvest? 

• Mesclun greens typically take 4 to 6 weeks from planting seedlings to harvest.
• Growth time varies based on weather, soil conditions, time of year and care. Consistent watering and feeding can help speed up the process.

How can I prevent mesclun from bolting?

• To stop your mesclun from bolting (going to seed too early), keep the plants consistently watered. Stressed or dry plants are more likely to bolt and develop a bitter taste.
• It’s a good idea to plant mesclun in partial shade in summer.

Why does my mesclun taste bitter?

• Check what mesclun mix you planted: there are bitter, mild and spicy options available.
• Uneven watering or plant stress can cause bitterness. Make sure to water your mesclun consistently to keep it tasting fresh and mild.
• It’s a good idea to plant mesclun in partial shade in summer.

Discover more advice and inspiration for growing your own veges at the Vege Hub >