Gourmet Greens
Renee's Braising Mix
Equal parts: Bulls Blood and Ruby Queen Beets; Silverado and Eldorado Chards
BEST TO START DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
In cool early spring weather, sow seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Shake seeds from the palm of your hand, broadcasting them about a half inch apart over the entire seedbed, then cover lightly and evenly with 1/2 inch of fine soil. Firm gently, then water in with a fine spray. Keep seedbed evenly moist. Make several successive sowings before hot summer weather for a constant supply. Plant again in late summer for fall harvesting.
GROWING NOTES
Grow either in garden beds or large containers for a tasty and nutritious “color bowl” to snip as needed. These leafy greens have best flavor with consistent moisture and mild weather conditions. Protect young seedlings from hungry birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. After cutting, water the remaining plant tops well, fertilize lightly and plants will regrow for several more leafy harvests.
HARVEST AND USE
Using the “cut and come again” method, take scissors and shear about 1 inch above the soil level. Cut the leaves when they are 2 to 3 inches tall for tender baby “micro” salad leaves, or let the mix grow 4 to 6 inches tall for sweet and nutty braising greens. Steam or sauté very quickly in a little broth and finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and a squeeze of lemon or your favorite hot sauce.
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days to Germinate |
Days to Harvest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April - August
|
February - September
|
Full sun
|
1/2 inch apart
1/2 inch deep |
7 - 12 days
|
40 - 50 days
|
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days to Germinate |
Days to Harvest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April - August
|
February - September
|
Full sun
|
1/2 inch apart
1/2 inch deep |
7 - 12 days
|
40 - 50 days
|
Cold Winters
April - August
|
Mild Winters
February - September
|
Sun/Shade
Full sun
|
Sow Seeds
1/2 inch apart
1/2 inch deep |
Days to Germinate
7 - 12 days
|
Days to Harvest
40 - 50 days
|