Arugula
Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa
Family: Brassicaceae
Arugula is a peppery, fast-growing salad green that adds bold flavor to any dish. Also known as rocket, this Mediterranean green grows incredibly quickly and can be harvested in as little as 3 weeks. Its distinctive nutty, peppery taste is prized in salads and on pizzas.
Days to Harvest
21-50 days
Sun Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (4-6 hours)
moderate
Germination Temp
60°F optimal
Start Indoors
4 weeks before last frost
Germination
3-7 days
Seed Depth
1/4 inch
Light to Germinate
No
đź’ˇ Tip: Best direct sown. Seeds germinate quickly in cool soil. Can be sown as soon as soil is workable.
Soil Type
Average, well-draining soil
pH Range
6 - 7
Spacing
4-6 inches between plants, 12 inches between rows
⚠️ Avoid planting near:
History
Arugula has been cultivated since Roman times when it was valued for both its leaves and seeds. The Romans considered it an aphrodisiac. It has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries and gained popularity in America in the 1990s.
Nutritional Benefits
- âś“High in Vitamin K
- âś“Good source of Vitamin A
- âś“Contains folate
Optimal Growing Temp
50°F - 65°F
Arugula prefers cool conditions between 50-65°F. It bolts quickly when temperatures exceed 75°F. Very fast-growing in ideal conditions—ready in 21-35 days.
Survival Range
25°F - 80°F
Can survive these temperatures
Frost Note: Arugula is surprisingly cold-hardy, tolerating light frosts to 25°F. Can be grown through winter in mild climates with protection. Fall-grown arugula is often milder than spring.
Best USDA Zones
Humidity
40-60%
Prefers moderate humidity. Good air circulation prevents disease in humid conditions.
Height
6-12 inches
Spread
6-8 inches
Growth Habit
upright
Germination
3-7 days
One of the fastest-germinating salad greens. Seeds germinate at 40-70°F.
Seedling Stage
Duration: 1-2 weeks
True leaves: First true leaves appear quickly with characteristic lobed edges
Transplant ready: Direct sowing preferred; transplants work but bolt easily when disturbed.
Vegetative Growth
Duration: 2-4 weeks to first harvest
Extremely fast growth producing rosette of peppery leaves. Can begin harvesting at 3 weeks.
Flowering
Timing: Bolts quickly in heat, long days, or stress
Duration: Once bolting starts, leaves become intensely peppery and bitter
White or yellow flowers appear; plants become bitter after bolting.
Harvest Maturity
Timing: 21-40 days from seed (baby greens in 21 days)
- Leaves are 3-6 inches long for full size
- Can harvest baby arugula at any size
- No sign of center elongation (bolting)
- Leaves are peppery but not bitter
Per Plant
2-4 oz over multiple cuttings
Per Square Foot
2-4 oz per square foot with dense planting
Harvest Frequency
Cut-and-come-again every 7-10 days
Factors Affecting Yield
- •Very fast crop—harvest in 3-4 weeks
- •Cool weather extends harvest window
- •Heat causes rapid bolting and bitterness
- •Regular cutting encourages regrowth
- •Succession planting essential for continuous harvest
Seedling Stage
Keep consistently moist for quick germination
Established Plants
1 inch per week, keep soil evenly moist
During Fruiting
Consistent moisture prevents bolting and bitterness
Preferred Method
Light, frequent watering. Drip irrigation or gentle overhead works well.
⚠️ Critical Watering Periods
- • Entire short growing period
Pro Tips
- Water stress intensifies peppery flavor and triggers bolting
- Mulch to maintain cool, moist soil
- Evening watering helps keep plants cool
Feeding Schedule
At Planting
Light compost
Once
Organic Options
Arugula grows so fast it rarely needs additional fertilizer. Work compost into soil before planting.
Minimum Size
6 inch pot minimum
Recommended Size
8-10 inch pot or wide shallow container
Depth Required
At least 4 inches deep—arugula has very shallow roots
Best Varieties for Containers
Container Tips
- Excellent for windowsill or balcony growing
- Sow densely and harvest as baby greens
- Water consistently—containers dry quickly
- Position in cooler location to prevent bolting
- Perfect for cut-and-come-again harvesting
Why Prune
When
Begin harvesting when leaves reach 3 inches
How Often
Harvest every 7-10 days
Technique
Cut outer leaves at base, or cut entire plant 1 inch above soil for regrowth.
Remove
- âś— Outer mature leaves
- âś— Entire plant if bolting
Keep
- âś“ Growing point if cutting outer leaves
Plant Every
Every 2-3 weeks
Sowings/Season
4-8 plantings
Duration
Spring through fall, skipping hottest weeks
Tips
- Essential for continuous arugula supply
- Sow every 2-3 weeks for uninterrupted harvest
- Skip succession during hottest part of summer
- Fall plantings are often milder in flavor
