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Mesclun Mix / Spring Mix / Baby GreensMesclun mix and spring mix are interchangeable terms used to describe assorted mixed baby greens harvested at the seedling stage (3-4 weeks). Blends usually include 5-7 types of greens with a range of leaf sizes, colors, shapes and textures. Although leaf lettuces are often the primary component, most mixes also include non-lettuce greens (brassicas, herbs, and others) to add diversity in flavor and appearance. Mixes can be mild- or spicy-flavored, and can be harvested young for use in salads or older as “braising” mixes for stir-fries. Varieties
Brassica crops typically contribute spicy or pungent flavors, while the lettuces and Chenopodium crops are mild and sweet. Chicory family crops typically are slightly bitter, and herbs contribute different flavor profiles. Varieties are selected not only for flavor and leaf texture, but also for color. Red varieties that are well suited for mesclun production are those that develop good red color even under low light conditions. For cool-weather or winter production, use the most cold-hardy species such as spinach, Claytonia (Miner’s Lettuce), arugula, kale, and other Brassicas. Plant DensityMesclun mixes are typically seeded at high density. Seeding rates vary with seed size and the species, but common spacing is less than 1inch between plants with 2 to 3 inches between rows on 30inch-wide beds. Seed can be broadcast, but is often seeded one to six rows at a time using a hand-driven precision seeder. For larger scale production, 17-row mechanical seeders are often used.Germination may take anywhere from two to 15 days at the optimum germination temperature (55°F to 70°F). Follow specific germination requirements for each component of the mix. Generally, baby greens are cool season crops that will germinate poorly when night temperatures are 80°F or higher. Since lettuce seed germination can also be inhibited by light, shading may be necessary to get adequate germination and growth in mid-summer. Although seeds can be blended and planted together, different germination times and rates of growth make coordination difficult. Each component of mesclun mix is typically grown separately and mixed after harvesting. Even though mesclun is a short season crop, the rate of growth varies greatly with daylength, total light and temperature. The time from planting to harvest will be two to three times longer for fall (September – February) plantings than for late spring/early summer plantings. Consistent harvest throughout the growing season requires carefully planned succession plantings. Winter production in New England is possible, but low light levels and temperatures mean that production time is quite a bit longer than in summer, and cold-hardy species should be used. Harvest and StorageGreens can be harvested anytime from three to five weeks after seeding. Flavors intensify and leaf textures change with age, so optimum harvest time will depend on the intended use of the final mix. Harvesting can be done by hand clipping approximately 1” above the soil line. Mechanical or hand-driven saw-like harvesters with or without vacuums are used for large scale production. Some varieties will re-grow to permit multiple harvests, but the second harvest will be less uniform and may be of lower quality. For this reason, most growers harvest each planting only once. FertilizerMusclun crops are short season and require relatively little fertilizer. Sidedressing may not be needed. If planted following another crop, additional fertilizer for mesclun may not be necessary.
Pest and Disease Control
Weed ControlThe best suggestion for weed management in mesclun is use of the Stale Seedbed Technique. Glyphosate (Roundup), paraquat (Gramoxone Inteon), and pelargonic acid (Scythe) are registered for stale seedbed use. Flaming can also be used. Mesculin is usually planted thick and often out-competes weed growth after stale beds are used. Prepare the seedbed at least two to three weeks prior to planting so that weeds have adequate time to emerge. After crop emergence keep cultivations shallow to protect crop roots. Do not move soil into the corp row as lettuce plants may be more susceptible to diseases when soil is mounded against the stems of the crop. NOTE: For the herbicides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, days to harvest (dh), REI, and special instructions. In many cases there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 17 and Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients. Insect ControlNOTE: For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, days to harvest (dh), REI, and special instructions. In many cases there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 20 and Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients. Aphids and WhitefliesSee whiteflies in the tomato section for more information. acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2 to 4 dry oz/A for aphids, 3 to 4 dry oz/A for whiteflies (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). dinotefuran (Venom 20SG): 7 to 11 dry oz/A foliar or 18 to 21 dry oz/A soil (7 dh foliar, 21 dh soil, REI 12h, Group 4A). For resistance management purposes, do not use foliar spray after soil application or following another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide application on the same crop. pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 9A). Selective control of aphids. Translaminar. Apply before populations build up. spirotetramat (Movento): 4-5 oz/A (3 dh, REI 24 h, Group 23). Immature stages; may also reduce adult fertility. thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A for aphids, 3 to 5.5 oz/A for whiteflies (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Cabbage looperFor more information, see cabbage looper in the cabbage section. azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5): 7 to 16 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 18). For young larvae. OMRI listed. chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 5 oz/A (3 dh, REI 4h, Group 28). For drip application, must be applied uniformly in the root zone and do not apply more than twice per season. For foliar application use an effective adjuvant. emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 3.2 to 4.8 oz/A (7 dh except for salad mix with Brassicas 14dh, REI 12h, Group 6). methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 4 to 10 oz/A (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 18). Insect growth regulator. Works on all instars. Feeding stops within hours but death takes several days. pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0): 4.5 to 18 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). OMRI listed. spinosad (Entrust): 1 to 2 dry oz/A (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 5). OMRI listed. thiodicarb (Larvin* 3.2): 24 to 30 oz/A (14 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A). CutwormsCaterpillars hide under the soil surface adjacent to the plant stem during the day and feed on stems after dark. For best results, make application between midnight and dawn while cutworms are feeding aboveground. Synthetic pyrethroids (Group 3A) may work best during cool spring weather. See cutworms in the Pepper and Tomato (Outdoor) sections for more information on the black and variegated cutworms. permethrin (Pounce 25WP*): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). For arugula, lettuce, corn salad, parsley and purslane only (not Brassica greens). pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Flea BeetlesChewing from flea beetles will produce large holes on leaves and can render the crop unmarketable. Rowcovers can provide good insect control from planting until harvest. pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0): 4.5 to 18 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). OMRI listed. thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.4 to 4.3 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). LeafminersLeafminers generally are controlled by natural enemies unless disrupted by broad-spectrum insecticide applications. Some species may be transported on transplants from southern or western locations. Control broadleaf weeds in and around the planting. Rotate insecticide groups to slow resistance. Systemic insecticides may control larvae within leaves. azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5): 4 to 7 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 18). For larvae. OMRI listed. spinosad (Entrust): 2 to 3 dry oz/A (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 5). OMRI listed. Use adjuvant. |
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