Last Updated on October 8, 2022 by Real Men Sow
Arugula, also known as garden rocket, rocket, and roquette, is a dense, low-growing, thick plant with long, straight, bright green leaves. This plant is a cool-weather, leafy crop. The leaves can be harvested six weeks after the plants are planted. They will continue to produce succulent foliage until the weather warms and yellow flowers emerge.
Tips for Growing Arugula
Arugula can be grown in cool weather. Plant arugula seeds in your garden 2 to 3 weeks prior to the last frost date in spring. You can grow arugula at temperatures between 45 and 65°F (10-18°C).
Arugula should be planted so it can harvest in cool temperatures. For a continuous harvest, sow successive arugula plants every 2 to 3 weeks. You can continue to plant until the average first frost date if summers are not very hot. For winter and spring harvest, plant arugula late in the autumn in hot summer areas with mild winters.
Where to Plant Arugula
Arugula can be grown in full sunlight; it will also tolerate some shade. You can also grow them in soil with aged compost. Before you plant, add aged garden compost. This plant prefers soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Arugula Planting Time
Arugula is an annual that can withstand cold temperatures and is hardy. In colder regions, you can grow arugula in spring or early summer. You can grow them in the fall and winter in warm-winter areas.
Its seeds should be sown in your garden as soon as the soil is ready for work in spring. This usually takes 2 to 3 weeks depending on the average date of the last frost in spring. You can grow arugula at temperatures between 45°F and 65°F (10-18°C). Arugula that is grown in cool temperatures has the best taste.
To get the best taste and avoid bolting, growing arugula in cool climates is ideal. Arugula takes approximately 40 days from the time it is harvested, depending on its variety.
Arugula Planting and Spacing
To start, sow the arugula seeds 1/4 inch (6mm) deep, 1 to 2 inches apart (22.5-5 cm). When the seedlings reach 4 inches (10 cm), thinned plants should be spaced 6 inches (15 cm). The thinning can be eaten.
Place rows 12-18 inches (30-45cm) apart. Arugula seeds can be broadcast with other greens, and harvested when the leaves are small.
Companion Plants for Arugula
Arugula can be grown with other greens. Avoid growing arugula alongside beans, peas, or strawberries. Arugula can be intercropped with larger crops.
Container Growing Arugula
A container is a good option for growing arugula. To accommodate roots, choose a container that is at least 6 inches in depth.
Watering and Feeding Arugula
Make sure to keep the area where you plant arugula well-watered. Before planting, add aged compost to the planting beds and then again mid-season.
Arugula Pests and Diseases
Arugula can be attacked by flea beetles. Use a floating row cover to protect plants. To control pests, use yellow sticky traps. Arugula is free from any serious diseases.
Harvesting Arugula
Arugula can be harvested 40 days after sowing. Young, tender leaves should be picked when they reach 2 to 5 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length. You can pick new leaves from the outside of the plant, at the bottom. The center crown will produce new leaves.
For a cut-and-come-again harvest, you can clip individual leaves. You can harvest whole plants by pulling them out or cutting the entire plant just above their roots. Older leaves have a bitter flavor than younger leaves.
Storing and Preserving Arugula
Arugula can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. However, fresh arugula is best for its flavor.
