Botanical Name: Assorted species
Days to Maturity: 25–35 days
Family: BEET, SPINACH, SWISS CHARD: Amaranthaceae. LETTUCE: Asteraceae
Native: Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean region
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant annuals and biennials
Variety Information: A mix of red and green leaves, harvested when young for tender, nutrient-rich greens.
When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 50°F, ideally 60°–70°F. Successive Sowings: Every 2 weeks until 2 weeks before the first fall frost.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. Sow indoors any time of year, with indoor temperatures 60°–75°F. Successive Sowings: Every 2 weeks for a continual supply.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: ⅛"–¼"
Seed Spacing: ¾"
Thinning: Not required.
Special Instructions: Good air circulation is important to help prevent fungal disease. If using a fan, avoid aiming the fan directly at the growing medium as it may dry the medium quickly; instead, bounce the airflow off a neighboring wall or the ceiling to create air movement in the general area.
Harvesting: When seedlings emerge, the first pair of leaves to show are the cotyledons, which can look very different from the leaves that follow, called "true" leaves. Smoothie Mix baby greens are ready to harvest 25 to 35 days after sowing, when they have true leaves, at 2"–4". Slow growers, or cool growing temperatures may require more time. Harvest by cutting just above the soil line. For more than one harvest (up to 3 before flavor declines) leave about 1/2" of leafy growth on the small plants so they can regenerate.
