Eruca sativa
Arugula is an aromatic, peppery-flavored salad green. Also known as rocket, roquette, arugula, and rucola, this green is beyond popular in Italian cuisine. And it's super healthy! Many studies have suggested that increasing the consumption of plant foods like Arugula decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease while promoting a healthy complexion and overall lower weight.
Sprouts in: 1 - 2 weeks
Harvest in: 5 - 6 weeks
- Arugula is a heat-sensitive plant that germinates faster and produces more growth if grown at 18 - 24 °C / 64 - 75 °F.
- If Arugula is grown at warmer temperatures than 24 °C / 75 °F, the plant tends to bolt - it will grow a flower stalk. The leaves will gain more meaty texture and taste is even more bitter than usual. Also, clean white spots may appear on the leaves (that reduces its visual appearance). If plants are grown at higher temperatures than recommended, they will run to seed (flower) and will not produce edible leaves.
- It might seem that it is a bit slow to start once it has germinated, but don’t worry, it will accelerate soon.
- Arugula is an annual plant and has the best nutritional value 25 to 35 days after planting the refill. So, start using Arugula leaves before it ages and loses its signature flavour.
There are 2 ways to go about harvesting.
- Harvesting option 1. We recommend to harvest the whole plant 30 to 35 days from planting. It allows you to plant new pods asap.
- Harvesting option 2. Start harvesting (ca 25 days or 3 weeks after planting) by picking off the larger outer leaves - the plant will produce more from its basal growing point. Harvest gradually until the plant is about 35 days old. By harvesting like this your plant may bolt. It means it grows a flower stalk and will have little white flowers. The flowers are also edible (often used for garnishing), but your plant may have even a stronger taste.