Eruca sativa
Arugula is an aromatic, peppery-flavored salad green. Also known as rocket, roquette, rugula and rucola, this green is extremely popular in Italian cuisine. It also happens to be super healthy! Many studies have suggested that consuming plant foods like arugula can decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease while promoting a healthy complexion and weight loss.
Sprouts within: 7-14 days
Harvest in: 35 - 42 days
Temperatures: 18 - 24 °C / 64 - 75 °F
- 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.
- Arugula is a natural source of vitamins A, C, K, calcium, folate, potassium, magnesium and iron.
- 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 pod.
- If your Arugula bolts and produces little white flowers, you can use these to garnish your dishes. But don't expect it to produce more edible leaves after that - the plant is done after bolting.
- As the plant matures, the leaves develop a stronger and more pungent taste every day. If you prefer a somewhat milder taste, harvest it soon.
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.