Hi @susand
Thanks for your question about growing Mizbuna salad leaves, they're delicious. It looks like they've been left a bit too long in the shade and need to be harvested, hence them turning brown as they've not got enough light to photosynthesise, and it's suddenly slowed down their usually fast-growing habit.
Cut back the brown ones and you should get some regrowth, remembering that all salad leaves need full sun and just the right amount of water, never drying out, to allow them to grow so quickly!
https://youtu.be/DICGT44SMSs
Some extra advice here on how to grow salad leaves for you or other Ninjas that need it.
How to Grow Salad Leaves, Mizuna and Mibuna
Growing salad leaves is super easy, even for very beginner gardeners, as their seeds germinate rapidly, meaning you can grow them on window ledges, balconies or tiny gardens for a fast crop in under 2 months from sowing!
Light Levels
Salad leaves grow best in full sun to partial shade. In summer, light shade in the afternoon can help prevent leaves from bolting (going to seed too early). Aim for at least 4–6 hours of light per day.
Sowing and Growing
Sow seeds thinly in moist, well-drained soil. Use seed compost if growing in containers. You can start from early spring through to late summer, and even indoors on a bright windowsill in cooler months.
Keep sowing every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially in warm weather. Don’t let them dry out, as it causes bitterness and encourages early bolting. In hot periods, check pots daily.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting when leaves are around 7–10 cm tall, usually within 3–4 weeks of sowing. Use the cut-and-come-again method: snip leaves with scissors above the base, and they’ll regrow for multiple harvests.
Tips for Success
-
Mix varieties like rocket, mustard, mizuna, and lettuce for colour and flavour.
-
Grow in shallow trays indoors for year-round baby leaves.
-
Watch for slugs outdoors—protect seedlings with barriers or covers.
All the best
Lee Garden Ninja
Hi @susand
Thanks for your question about growing Mizbuna salad leaves, they're delicious. It looks like they've been left a bit too long in the shade and need to be harvested, hence them turning brown as they've not got enough light to photosynthesise, and it's suddenly slowed down their usually fast-growing habit.
Cut back the brown ones and you should get some regrowth, remembering that all salad leaves need full sun and just the right amount of water, never drying out, to allow them to grow so quickly!
Some extra advice here on how to grow salad leaves for you or other Ninjas that need it.
How to Grow Salad Leaves, Mizuna and Mibuna
Growing salad leaves is super easy, even for very beginner gardeners, as their seeds germinate rapidly, meaning you can grow them on window ledges, balconies or tiny gardens for a fast crop in under 2 months from sowing!
Light Levels
Salad leaves grow best in full sun to partial shade. In summer, light shade in the afternoon can help prevent leaves from bolting (going to seed too early). Aim for at least 4–6 hours of light per day.
Sowing and Growing
Sow seeds thinly in moist, well-drained soil. Use seed compost if growing in containers. You can start from early spring through to late summer, and even indoors on a bright windowsill in cooler months.
Keep sowing every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially in warm weather. Don’t let them dry out, as it causes bitterness and encourages early bolting. In hot periods, check pots daily.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting when leaves are around 7–10 cm tall, usually within 3–4 weeks of sowing. Use the cut-and-come-again method: snip leaves with scissors above the base, and they’ll regrow for multiple harvests.
Tips for Success
-
Mix varieties like rocket, mustard, mizuna, and lettuce for colour and flavour.
-
Grow in shallow trays indoors for year-round baby leaves.
-
Watch for slugs outdoors—protect seedlings with barriers or covers.
All the best
Lee Garden Ninja
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