Greens 'Arugula'

Eruca vesicaria — Arugula
Arugula is a fast-growing, cool-season green with a distinctive peppery flavour. Its tender, deeply lobed leaves are popular in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish, while mature leaves add a spicier bite when lightly sautéed or wilted. Easy to grow in garden beds or containers, arugula thrives in cool weather and can be sown in succession for continuous harvests. Flowers are also edible, with a milder taste that complements summer salads.

DETAILS:

QTY: 200

SITE: Part Sun

TYPE: Annual

DEPTH: 1/8"

GERMINATION: 5-7 Days at 15-25°C

MATURITY: 21 baby, 40 full size

SPACING: See below

HOW TO GROW:

Planting:

• When to Plant: Arugula is a cool-weather crop that will bolt (go to seed) and become bitter in hot temperatures. Sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. For a continuous harvest, make successive plantings every 2-3 weeks. In warmer climates, planting again in late summer or early fall is ideal.

• Where to Plant: Choose a location with full sun in spring and fall. In warmer climates or during the heat of summer, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent bolting.

• Sowing Seeds: Sow seeds thinly, about 1/4 inch deep. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to 6 inches apart for mature plants or 2-3 inches apart for "baby" greens.

Soil & Fertilizing:

• Soil Preference: Arugula prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Amending the soil with compost before planting will provide a good nutrient base.

• Fertilizing: Arugula is a light feeder. If your soil is rich, additional fertilizer is not necessary. If you choose to use one, a light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied, but be sparing as too much nitrogen can lead to soft, floppy growth.

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist. Arugula has shallow roots and can dry out quickly. Inconsistent watering or dry conditions will cause the plant to become stressed, making the leaves tough and more pungent.

Pests & Diseases:

• Pests: The most common pest for arugula is the flea beetle, which creates small, round holes in the leaves. A floating row cover can protect young plants from these pests. Slugs and snails can also be an issue.

• Diseases: Fungal diseases are not a major problem, but ensuring good air circulation can prevent issues in humid conditions.

Harvesting:

• Baby Greens: Harvest young leaves when they are 2-3 inches long. Use the "cut-and-come-again" method by snipping the outer leaves with scissors, leaving the center to continue growing.

• Mature Plants: Harvest entire plants at the soil line when they reach a mature size. Once the plant sends up a flower stalk, the leaves will become very bitter, so harvest before or as the stalk emerges. The flowers are also edible and have a milder, peppery flavor.