Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) – Fast-Growing, Peppery Greens for Cool-Season Gardens
#### **Description**
Arugula (Eruca vesicaria), is a fast-growing leafy green known for its peppery, slightly nutty flavor. The leaves are deeply lobed and dark green, with a tender yet crisp texture. Young leaves tend to be milder, while mature leaves develop a stronger, spicier taste. The plant grows upright, reaching about 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) in height when left to bolt (flower).
Other Names: Arugula, rocket, garden rocket, eruca, ruchetta, rucola, rucoli, rugula, colewort, roquette,
#### **Hardiness**
- **USDA Hardiness Zones:** 2–11 (grows as a cool-season annual)
- **Temperature Tolerance:** Prefers cool weather (50–65°F / 10–18°C); heat can cause bolting and bitter leaves
- **Frost Tolerance:** Can tolerate light frosts but grows best in spring and fall
#### **Flower Color**
Arugula produces small, delicate, four-petaled flowers that range from pale yellow to white with dark purple or brownish veins. The flowers are edible and have a mildly spicy flavor.
#### **History & Interesting Facts**
- **Ancient Origins:** Arugula has been cultivated since Roman times and was considered an aphrodisiac.
- **Medicinal Use:** Traditionally used for digestion and as a tonic for overall health.
- **Culinary Popularity:** A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, often featured in salads, sandwiches, and pesto.
- **Self-Seeding:** If left to flower, arugula readily self-seeds, making it a great low-maintenance green for naturalized gardens.
#### **How to Grow Arugula from Seed**
1. **Timing:**
- Direct sow in early spring as soon as the soil is workable or in late summer for a fall crop.
- Successive sowing every 2–3 weeks ensures a continuous harvest.
2. **Seed Depth & Spacing:**
- Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep.
- Space seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart in rows 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) apart.
- Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) apart for full-sized plants.
3. **Growing Conditions:**
- Prefers **full sun to partial shade**.
- Grows best in **moist, well-draining, fertile soil** with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Keep soil evenly moist for tender leaves.
4. **Harvesting:**
- Baby leaves can be harvested in **20–30 days**.
- Mature leaves are ready in **40–50 days**.
- Cut leaves at the base to encourage regrowth.
5. **Bolting & Seed Saving:**
- Arugula bolts in warm weather. To delay bolting, provide afternoon shade.
- Collect seeds by allowing flowers to dry and form seed pods. Harvest the pods when brown, then thresh and store seeds in a cool, dry place.