Quck answer
Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that is easy to grow in your garden or even in containers. To grow arugula, start by preparing the soil and planting the seeds in a sunny location. Arugula prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Harvest the leaves when they reach the desired size, usually around 4-6 weeks after planting. You can harvest the entire plant or just the outer leaves, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Arugula is a versatile and nutritious addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
Arugula, scientifically known as ​Eruca vesicaria​, is an annual plant that thrives in cool weather conditions, making it ideal for planting during spring or fall. It is commonly used in mixed spring salad greens, where its leaves are tastiest when harvested young before flowering. Arugula is easy to grow and can be cultivated in limited spaces, such as container gardening. Its rapid growth rate allows for continuous planting throughout the growing season, providing a regular supply of delicious salad greens.
Uses of Arugula
Arugula, also known as rocket, is a popular salad green that adds a slightly peppery flavor to the dish. This mustard relative is also delicious in soups, shredded as a pizza topping, or used as a lettuce substitute in sandwiches. It can be used as a spinach replacement in lasagna, with tomatoes in orzo dishes, or as an ingredient in pesto for a pasta dish.
Arugula is a nutritious addition to meals, as it is rich in fiber and nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B, C, and K. Some compounds within arugula may even help combat inflammation and certain types of cancer.
Although arugula blossoms, it is not typically used for ornamental purposes in the garden. However, its edible white flowers can add a decorative touch to salads or dinner plates.
Cultivating Arugula
- ​Common Name:​ Arugula
- ​Botanical Name:​ ​Eruca vesicaria​
- ​When to Plant:​ Spring or fall in cool weather
- ​USDA Zones:​ Grown as an annual in zones 2-11
- ​Sun Exposure:​ Full sun, partial shade
- ​Soil Type:​ Moist, nutrient-rich soil
- ​When it’s in Trouble:​ Brown spots on leaves, yellowing leaves
- ​When it’s Thriving:​ Produces healthy green leaves
Starting Arugula From Seed
Sow arugula seeds directly into the garden, 1/4 inch deep, after moistening the soil. Arugula thrives in nutrient-rich soil, such as garden soil mixed with compost. Space seeds several inches apart, or if planting rows, space rows roughly 10 inches apart. Arugula can also grow in raised beds or containers that are at least 6 inches deep and wide.
Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which should occur within several days or less than a week. Once the plants grow, thin them to 6 inches apart to ensure sufficient air circulation, which is vital to healthy plant growth. Sow seeds every few weeks throughout the spring and early summer for a steady supply of young leaves. If sowing during hot weather, use a row cover to keep the plants cooler or wait until early September when the temperature cools.
To start arugula, you can either begin with seeds or seedlings. If you opt for seeds, it’s best to use compostable starter pots and a good potting mix for vegetables. Begin seeding four to eight weeks before the last frost in your area, and transplant the seedlings after four to six weeks. Compostable pots can be gently torn so that the seedlings can be transplanted, pot and all, into the garden when they’re ready.
If you choose to use seedlings, they can be planted in the garden, raised beds, or containers. Plant them in fertile soil, and make sure it’s nutrient-rich by mixing in a little compost. When planting the seedlings, cover the exposed roots, and keep the soil moist, especially during the first week.
Arugula grows best in cool to moderate USDA plant hardiness zones, such as 2 through 7. If you live in a relatively hot region, adjust the planting season so that the arugula experiences as much cool weather as possible. To continually have a supply of greens, sow seeds every couple of weeks as soon as the cool weather arrives in autumn. It’s best to grow arugula during cooler seasons because the leaves become less palatable when the plant goes to flower in the heat.
It’s best not to plant arugula during the hottest days of summer because the leaves will have a stronger flavor, and the plant may go to flower quicker. Arugula handles a little frost well, so it’s okay to plant it even before the final frost early in the year. Sow it directly into the ground one or two weeks before the last expected frost of the season, but not much earlier than that, or it may be too cold for the seeds to germinate.
To ensure a successful fall harvest of arugula, it’s best to plant it a few months before the first frost. Even if the frost comes early, some young leaves can still be harvested. Arugula plants can tolerate a little frost once established. By planting arugula towards the end of summer, it may produce better than spring plantings due to fewer flowers and more opportunities for leaf growth.
Arugula prefers a moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 8. Adding compost to the soil before planting can nourish the arugula and help the soil retain moisture. Full sun is ideal for cooler weather, while light shade works in hot weather. A little mulch can help suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. It’s important to keep the soil moist but not soaking wet, especially when the plant is young.
Arugula is best harvested when the leaves are young and tender, which usually occurs about six weeks after germination. The best flavor can be found in young leaves, while older leaves may become too peppery. When harvesting, it’s best to break off the young leaves from the outer areas of the plant to promote more growth. As the summer progresses, the plant may go to flower, and cutting it back can encourage new growth.
While arugula is typically resistant to pests, flea beetles and aphids may be a cause for concern. Flea beetles can cause damage to the leaves and spread plant diseases between crops. Young arugula is especially susceptible to flea beetle damage. Sticky traps can help catch some flea beetles.
Aphids, which are small insects, can be found on the bottom of plant leaves or sucking sap from the stems. Although a few aphids may not cause much damage, they can be a significant problem for many garden plants in large quantities. If you discover aphids on arugula or nearby plants, gently dislodge them by spraying them with water from a garden hose or sprayer.
Arugula is susceptible to bacterial leaf spot and downy mildew. Bacterial leaf spot or bacterial mildew causes brown spots on the leaves and may turn entire leaves yellow, often due to excessive watering. To prevent this issue, it’s best to water the ground instead of the plants’ leaves. If the entire plant is affected, it’s best to remove it from the ground, as the bacteria-based problem may spread.
Downy mildew is another problem that arises when the leaves of arugula are exposed to too much moisture. Brown or yellow patches appear on the leaves, and there is also a white mildewy substance on the underside of the leaves. This problem may spread through spores in the air, exacerbated by poor air circulation between plants. Discard affected plants and prevent this issue by thinning plants and watering the soil rather than the plant leaves.
FAQ
1. What is arugula and how does it taste?
Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a leafy green vegetable with a peppery flavor. It belongs to the brassica family and is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and pesto. The taste of arugula can vary from mild to spicy, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
2. Where can I buy arugula seeds or seedlings?
Arugula seeds and seedlings can be purchased from garden centers, nurseries, or online seed suppliers. It is also possible to collect seeds from mature arugula plants and save them for future planting. Look for certified organic seeds or seedlings to ensure the best quality and avoid the use of harmful chemicals.
3. What are the ideal growing conditions for arugula?
Arugula thrives in cool weather and prefers temperatures between 50В°F (10В°C) and 68В°F (20В°C). It grows best in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Arugula can tolerate partial shade but prefers full sun for optimal growth. It is a fast-growing plant and can be harvested within 4 to 6 weeks after sowing.
4. How often should I water arugula?
Arugula requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
5. Can arugula be grown in containers?
Yes, arugula can be successfully grown in containers. Choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Sow the seeds or transplant seedlings, ensuring they are spaced adequately. Place the container in a sunny location and water regularly. Harvest the outer leaves when they reach the desired size, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
6. Are there any common pests or diseases that affect arugula?
Arugula is generally a low-maintenance plant with few pest and disease issues. However, it can be susceptible to flea beetles, aphids, and snails. Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of infestation and take appropriate measures, such as using organic pest control methods or introducing beneficial insects. Proper spacing and good air circulation can help prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
7. When is the best time to harvest arugula?
Arugula leaves can be harvested when they are young and tender, usually around 4 to 6 weeks after planting. Harvesting can be done by cutting the outer leaves with a pair of sharp scissors or by pulling the whole plant from the ground. Regular harvesting promotes continuous growth and prevents the plants from bolting, which is when they produce flowers and become bitter in taste.