Arugula

• Botanical name. Erica sativa, Eruca vesicaria.
• Botanical family: Brassicaceae (other members of this family are kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and mustard)

When?

• Sow arugula seeds in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in spring, usually 2 to 3 weeks before the average date of the last frost in spring. Arugula seeds will germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F.
• Set transplants in the garden 4 weeks before to 2 weeks after the last frost.
• Sowing depth: ¼ inch (.6 cm)
• Space between plants after thinning: 6 inches. Intensive spacing: Sow seeds lightly in a band 2 to 4 inches wide.
• Days to sprout: 5-7
• Grow arugula in temperatures ranging from 45° to 65°F 
• Days to harvest: 40 days or baby leaves can be harvested 21 to 28 days after sowing.
• Make succession plantings every 2 to 3 weeks

 Where?

• Grow arugula is a good companion to other greens. Arugula has a shallow root system and can be grown between other members of the mustard family or under other leafy vegetables.
• Planting arugula in bands under or among slower-growing crops is a good strategy. Arugula is a good choice for intercropping with larger crops.
• Avoid growing arugula with peas, beans, or strawberries.

Growing Tips

• Water arugula regularly to prevent the flavor from becoming too strong or hot.
• In arid regions, use overhead irrigation to prevent the leaves from drying in dry heat.
• Add aged compost to planting beds before planting and again at midseason.
• Keep arugula plants cut back to about 10 inches tall. Arugula can grow to 24 inches tall but the leaves will be too bitter to eat.
• Cutting arugula back (as you would Swiss chard) will not hurt the plant; cutting arugula back will encourage new young leaves to grow.
• Once the flavor of the leaves turns bitter, pull out the plants and turn to new plantings.
• Pick young, tender leaves when they are when they are 2 to 5 inches (5-7.5 cm) long
• Use a pair of sharp scissors to snip off leaves 1 inch (2.5cm) above the soil.
• An arugula plant can be harvested cut-and-come-again four times before plants run to seed.
• Leaves that grow to more than 10 inches high can quickly become bitter and spicy hot.
• Pick new leaves from the bottom, outside of the plant. New leaves will sprout from the center crown.
• Wash arugula leaves by swishing them in a bowl of cool water. The leaves may require three or more washings to remove all traces of soil.
• If you want to refrigerate arugula, wash and dry the leaves thoroughly and wrap them in a paper towel or cloth then place them in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer.
• Arugula will keep in the refrigerator for just a few days.

Thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart, using the thinnings for salads. To reduce heat stress and prevent bolting, provide some shade for warm-season plantings.