Delicates is a compact salad plant from the cabbage family that quickly sprouts after sowing and reaches a height of about 18–22 cm within 20–25 days. The leaves have a lyrate shape, slightly lobed at the edges, rich green color with red veins and a toothed contour. The taste is nutty-mustard, aromatic, making it an excellent addition to salads, pasta, fish, and meat.
The plant is undemanding and frost-resistant: it can be sown in spring, summer, and even in winter, as well as grown in greenhouses or in open ground. With proper care, 1–1.5 kg of greens can be obtained from one square meter. For intensive growth, the optimal temperature regime is +16–18 °C with good lighting.
Delicates is rich in vitamins (A, B, C, E), micro- and macro-elements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc.). Young leaves are used in fresh salads, sandwiches, and as a side dish. Flowers can be added for aromatization, and seeds – in the production of mustard and oil. Regular selective cutting of leaves extends the harvesting period, and the plant quickly recovers after cutting.
