How to Plant and Grow Arugula: A Simple Guide for Fresh Greens

Arugula adds a zesty kick to salads and dishes. This leafy green from the Mediterranean grows quickly and easily in most gardens. You can start enjoying fresh arugula in just a few weeks.

To plant arugula, sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 10 inches apart. Water the soil to keep it moist. The seeds will sprout in about a week. You can also broadcast the seeds over a prepared bed and lightly cover them with soil.

Arugula thrives in cool weather and partial shade. It grows best when soil temperatures are between 40-55°F. For a steady supply, plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks. Harvest the outer leaves when they’re 2-3 inches long, leaving the center to keep producing. With proper care, you’ll have plenty of this peppery green for your favorite recipes.

Cultivation Essentials

Growing arugula successfully requires attention to soil conditions and planting techniques. Let’s explore the key factors for cultivating this tasty leafy green.

Soil and Site Selection

Arugula thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Choose a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, afternoon shade can help prevent bolting.

Prepare your garden bed by removing weeds and loosening the soil. Mix in compost or aged manure to boost nutrients. If growing in containers, use a high-quality potting mix.

Arugula can be planted in raised beds, pots, or directly in the ground. Ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.

Sowing and Planting

Sow arugula seeds directly in the garden in early spring or fall. The cool weather enhances flavor and slows bolting.

Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows. Space rows 10 inches apart. For container growing, sow seeds more densely.

Water gently after planting. Seeds usually sprout in 5-7 days when soil temperature is between 40-55°F.

Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart when they reach 2 inches tall. Use the thinnings in salads for an early taste.

For a continuous harvest, sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.

Care and Harvesting

Arugula needs regular care to thrive and produce tasty leaves. Proper watering, pest control, and harvesting techniques help ensure a bountiful crop.

Growth and Maintenance

Water arugula regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and control weeds.

Feed your arugula every 3-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Alternatively, mix compost into the soil before planting to provide nutrients.

Watch for pests like flea beetles, which make small holes in leaves. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around plants to deter these pests.

Check for signs of downy mildew, a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on leaves. Remove affected plants promptly to prevent spread.

As temperatures rise, arugula may bolt and produce flowers. While edible, flowering can make leaves taste bitter. Plant new batches every 2-3 weeks for a steady supply.

Harvesting and Storage

Harvest arugula leaves when they’re 2-3 inches long, about 3-4 weeks after planting. Cut the outer leaves first, leaving the center to continue growing.

For a single harvest, cut the entire plant about an inch above the soil. Arugula may regrow for additional harvests.

Rinse leaves in cool water and pat dry. Store unwashed leaves in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to a week.

To save seeds, let some plants flower and form seed pods. Collect pods when they turn brown and brittle. Dry seeds completely before storing in a cool, dark place.