Arugula Wild offers a bold, spicy taste that elevates any dish, from salads to pizzas and soups. This heat-tolerant variety grows quickly and resists bolting, providing gardeners with an extended harvest. Perfect for adding a gourmet touch to home cooking, it thrives in garden beds and containers.
Arugula Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow arugula seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Arugula thrives in cool weather and tolerates light frost.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or partial shade in hotter climates. Arugula grows best in fertile, well-draining soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Arugula prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 1-2 inches apart in rows.
- Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they are a few inches tall for proper growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 5-10 days. Arugula requires consistent moisture to prevent bolting.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start arugula seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, scattering them thinly over the soil surface.
- Cover lightly with soil and mist gently to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 5-10 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 4-6 inches apart in rows.
General Care Tips for Arugula
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth, though arugula tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Consistent moisture helps prevent bolting and ensures tender leaves.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Arugula is a light feeder and typically does not require additional fertilization during its short growing season.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Be careful not to disturb arugula’s shallow roots when weeding.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for flea beetles or aphids, which can be treated with organic insecticidal soap if necessary. Proper spacing helps prevent fungal diseases.
- Harvesting:
- For Baby Leaves: Harvest leaves when they are 2-3 inches tall, typically 20-30 days after sowing.
- For Mature Leaves: Pick outer leaves as needed, leaving the inner leaves to grow. Entire plants can also be harvested by cutting at the base.
- Storage: Store fresh arugula leaves in a plastic bag or damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wash leaves just before use.
