Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

Seed Spacing: 1–2 inches

Row Spacing: 6–12 inches

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Days to Sprout: 5–10 days

Days to Maturity: 20–40 days

Growth Habit: Low-growing, leafy annual

Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

Soil Type: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Adding compost enhances fertility.

When to Plant: Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or late summer for a fall crop. For a continuous supply, succession sow every 2–3 weeks.

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 1–2 inches apart in rows 6–12 inches apart. Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing as they grow.

Indoor Sowing: Start seeds in trays and transplant when seedlings are 2–4 inches tall.

Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvests.

Watering: Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting to encourage leafy growth.

Pruning: Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Remove flowers to prolong the harvest period.

Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for flea beetles and aphids. Use row covers or organic pest control methods as needed.

When to Harvest: Harvest leaves when they are 2–4 inches long for optimal flavor, typically 20–40 days after planting. Baby greens can be harvested earlier.

How to Harvest: Snip leaves at the base with scissors or a knife. For continuous growth, leave the central growing point intact.

Seed Collection: Allow plants to bolt and form seed pods. Collect seeds when pods are dry and brittle.

Storing Seeds: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.