12 Leafy Greens That Like Cool Soil More Than Warm Sun

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Arugula

Arugula is a cool-season leafy green that thrives in moderate temperatures and prefers soil that stays cool. It is known for its spicy, peppery flavor that adds zest to salads and other dishes. Arugula grows best when the soil temperature is around 50-60°F (10-15°C), which allows the leaves to remain tender without becoming bitter. When grown in cooler conditions, it has a more vibrant taste and tender texture, making it an ideal addition to any garden with cool climates.

Arugula requires consistent moisture and enjoys a slightly acidic soil to maximize growth. This plant can be harvested in as little as 3-4 weeks after planting, making it a fast-growing and rewarding option for gardeners. It also benefits from partial shade, as too much heat can cause it to bolt quickly. If you want a quick and easy crop that thrives in cooler soils, arugula is a great choice.

Spinach

Spinach is another leafy green that prefers cool soil and moderate temperatures. It grows best when the soil is between 50-60°F (10-15°C), and higher temperatures can cause the plant to bolt, or go to seed. Spinach has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is packed with nutrients, including iron and vitamins A and C. It is a versatile vegetable that can be used in salads, soups, and smoothies.

To get the best yield, spinach should be grown in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with good organic matter. A steady supply of moisture is crucial to prevent the leaves from becoming tough or bitter. Spinach is typically ready to harvest in 6-8 weeks, but you can start picking the outer leaves when they reach a usable size. Spinach can be grown in both spring and fall, making it a great option for cooler months.

Kale

Kale is a hardy, cool-weather leafy green that can tolerate frost and prefers cooler soil temperatures. It thrives in soils that are around 55-75°F (13-24°C), with the optimal range being 60-65°F (15-18°C). Kale leaves are packed with vitamins K, A, and C, making them a nutritional powerhouse. The plant is known for its slightly bitter, hearty flavor that can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, and smoothies.

When grown in cooler soil, kale produces larger, more tender leaves that are perfect for cooking or eating raw. Kale requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter, as well as consistent moisture to keep the leaves tender. As a cool-season plant, kale grows best in the early spring or late fall, though it can overwinter in some regions, offering a continuous harvest. Kale can also tolerate some shade, making it ideal for areas with less sunlight during the cooler months.

Lettuce

Lettuce, particularly varieties like butterhead and leaf lettuce, thrives in cooler soils and is perfect for growing in the early spring or fall. The ideal soil temperature for lettuce is between 45-65°F (7-18°C), and it is best to plant it in well-draining, fertile soil. Lettuce grows quickly and can be harvested within 30-60 days, depending on the variety. It is known for its mild, refreshing flavor and crisp texture, making it a staple in salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

Lettuce enjoys consistent moisture and a slightly acidic pH, and it should be kept cool, as higher temperatures can cause it to become bitter and bolt. For the best results, grow lettuce in a location that gets partial shade, especially during the hotter months. Leaf lettuce, in particular, thrives in cooler temperatures and can tolerate some light frost, making it a perfect crop for cooler soil conditions.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a leafy green that grows best in cool soil, with temperatures between 50-75°F (10-24°C). It is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to salads. Swiss chard is known for its vibrant, colorful stems, which can range from red to yellow to white. The leaves are tender yet hearty, with a mild, slightly earthy flavor.

Swiss chard thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It also requires regular watering to prevent the leaves from becoming tough. While it can tolerate some heat, chard grows best when the soil stays cool, as excessive heat can cause the plant to bolt or become bitter. Swiss chard is a relatively fast-growing plant, with harvests typically starting around 50-60 days after planting.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are another cool-weather leafy green that thrives in cooler soil temperatures. They grow best in temperatures between 45-75°F (7-24°C), with cooler soil temperatures helping the leaves stay tender and flavorful. Mustard greens have a peppery taste, making them a great addition to salads, stir-fries, and soups. The leaves are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants.

Mustard greens grow best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter and require consistent moisture to prevent the leaves from becoming tough. While they can tolerate some heat, they perform best when grown in cooler temperatures. Mustard greens can be harvested in 4-6 weeks, making them a quick and easy crop to grow in cooler conditions.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are a popular leafy green that prefers cooler soil temperatures. They thrive in soils that range from 50-75°F (10-24°C), and they are known for their large, broad leaves. Collard greens have a mild, slightly bitter flavor that becomes sweeter after a frost. They are rich in vitamins K and A, as well as fiber and calcium, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.

Collard greens require well-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter to promote healthy growth. They also need consistent moisture to keep the leaves tender. Collard greens grow best in the cooler months of spring and fall and can tolerate some frost, which helps to improve the flavor. They are typically ready to harvest in 60-85 days, depending on the variety.

Mizuna

Mizuna is a Japanese leafy green that prefers cooler soil temperatures and grows best when the soil is between 50-60°F (10-15°C). It is known for its feathery, serrated leaves and mild, slightly peppery flavor. Mizuna is often used in salads, soups, and stir-fries, adding a delicate crunch and a hint of spice to dishes. It grows best in well-draining, fertile soil and requires consistent moisture to keep the leaves tender.

Mizuna is a fast-growing plant that can be harvested in just 30-45 days, making it an ideal option for gardeners looking for a quick crop. This plant can also tolerate some shade, which helps keep the soil cool during the warmer months. Mizuna is perfect for growing in the spring and fall, as it thrives in cooler soil temperatures.

Tatsoi

Tatsoi is a cool-weather leafy green that grows well in soils with temperatures between 45-60°F (7-15°C). It has dark green, spoon-shaped leaves that are slightly thicker than other leafy greens, giving it a unique texture. Tatsoi has a mild, slightly mustard-like flavor that makes it perfect for use in salads, soups, and stir-fries. It is a fast-growing plant, typically ready for harvest in 30-45 days, and can be grown in both spring and fall.

Tatsoi thrives in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It also benefits from partial shade, especially during the warmer months, to keep the soil cool and prevent the plant from bolting. This leafy green is a great addition to any garden that experiences cool temperatures during the growing season.

Sorrel

Sorrel is a hardy, perennial leafy green that thrives in cool soil and mild temperatures. It grows best when the soil temperature is between 50-60°F (10-15°C), and it is known for its tangy, lemony flavor. Sorrel is often used in soups, salads, and sauces, adding a refreshing, citrus-like taste. This plant prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and it should be watered regularly to keep the leaves tender.

Sorrel grows quickly and can be harvested in just 30-40 days after planting. It is also a perennial, which means it will return year after year, making it a great long-term addition to your garden. While sorrel can tolerate some heat, it grows best in the cooler months, making it perfect for early spring or late fall planting.

Orach

Orach, also known as mountain spinach, is a cool-weather leafy green that thrives in soils with temperatures between 50-65°F (10-18°C). It is a versatile plant with vibrant, colorful leaves that range from red to green to purple, adding a striking visual element to any garden. The leaves of orach have a mild, slightly tangy flavor that is perfect for use in salads, soups, and stir-fries. Orach prefers well-drained, fertile soil and requires regular watering to keep the leaves tender.

It grows quickly, reaching harvestable size in 50-70 days, and is well-suited for both spring and fall planting. Orach can tolerate some frost, which helps to enhance its flavor, making it a great option for cool soil conditions. If you want a colorful, fast-growing leafy green, orach is a great addition to your garden.

Cress

Cress is a fast-growing leafy green that thrives in cool soil and moderate temperatures. It prefers soil that stays between 50-60°F (10-15°C) for optimal growth. Cress has a peppery flavor that adds a spicy kick to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. It grows quickly, often ready to harvest in just 15-20 days, making it one of the fastest-growing leafy greens.

Cress does well in moist, well-draining soil and can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. It thrives in cool, shady locations, which helps keep the soil temperature down and prevents the plant from becoming bitter. Cress is perfect for gardeners looking for a quick and easy crop that thrives in cooler soil conditions.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.