Arugula — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 5–7 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 7.2–18.3 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 30–45 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 10.2–15.2 |
| Mature height (cm) | 20.3–35.6 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 10.2–20.3 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–11 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Scatter seeds on the surface of moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil and press lightly without covering; arugula is one of the fastest-maturing and easiest-to-grow leafy vegetables, germinating within 5–7 days in cool conditions and ready to harvest as baby greens in 3 weeks or full-size leaves in 4–6 weeks. The peppery, nutty, mustardy flavor is most mild and complex in cool weather; leaves become intensely bitter and peppery in hot weather. Succession-sow every 2–3 weeks from early spring through fall for a continuous supply; cut-and-come-again harvesting (cutting 1 inch above soil) extends each planting significantly. Both flowers and leaves are edible; the white flowers with purple veins are excellent salad garnishes. Fall-planted arugula has superior flavor to spring plantings in most climates.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0