Arugula Roquette

Arugula, also known as roquette, is a fast-growing leafy green that packs a peppery punch in salads, sandwiches, and various culinary dishes. Cultivating arugula at home ensures a fresh, flavorful addition to your meals while providing numerous health benefits.

Preparing for Growing:

• Selecting a Planting Location: Choose a location with partial to full sun exposure, as arugula thrives in these conditions.
• Soil Preparation: Prepare well-draining soil rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth.
• Purchasing or Preparing Containers/Pots: If opting for container gardening, ensure pots have drainage holes and sufficient depth for root development.

Starting from Seeds Indoors:

• Seed Preparation: Soak arugula seeds in water for a few hours prior to planting to enhance germination rates.
• Choosing Suitable Pots/Containers: Utilize seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
• Sowing and Caring for Seeds Indoors: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep, keep soil consistently moist, and provide adequate warmth and light until seedlings emerge. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
• Transplanting to Larger Containers if Necessary: When seedlings develop true leaves, transplant them to larger containers to support continued growth.

Starting from Seeds Outdoors:

• Soil Preparation: Prepare garden soil by loosening it and removing debris to facilitate root penetration.
• Selecting Appropriate Timing and Method for Outdoor Sowing: Sow arugula seeds directly into the garden bed in early spring or late summer for cool-season growth.
• Caring for Seeds Outdoors: Keep soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, and thin seedlings as necessary to maintain proper spacing.

Growing in Containers/Pots:

• Selecting Suitable Plants for Containers: Arugula is well-suited for container gardening due to its compact size.
• Container and Soil Preparation: Choose containers with adequate drainage and fill them with well-draining potting mix.
• Sowing or Transplanting Plants into Containers: Plant seeds or transplant seedlings into containers, ensuring proper spacing.
• Caring for Container Plants: Water container-grown arugula regularly and monitor for pests and diseases.

Transplanting to Garden:

• Soil and Planting Site Preparation: Prepare garden soil by incorporating compost and ensure the planting site receives ample sunlight.
• Correct Timing and Method for Transplanting: Transplant seedlings when they have developed a few sets of true leaves, spacing them 6-8 inches apart.
• Post-Transplant Care: Water transplanted seedlings thoroughly and provide shade if necessary to prevent wilting.

Plant Care:

• Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture levels by watering regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to promote healthy growth.
• Weeding: Keep the growing area free of weeds to minimize competition for nutrients and water.
• Pest and Disease Management: Monitor for pests such as flea beetles and aphids, and implement appropriate pest control measures. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Harvesting:

• Determining When Plants are Ready for Harvest: Harvest arugula leaves when they reach 2-3 inches in length for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Harvesting and Storage Guidelines: Cut leaves from the outer portion of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Store harvested arugula in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

When to Start from Seeds by USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:

• Zone 1-3:
• In these northern regions with short growing seasons and cold winters, the best time to plant arugula is in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. Additionally, arugula can be planted again in late summer for a fall harvest.
• Zone 4-6:
• For regions with moderate climates and distinct seasons, arugula can be planted in early spring for a spring harvest. It can also be sown again in late summer for a fall crop.
• Zone 7-9:
• In areas with mild winters and longer growing seasons, arugula can be planted in early spring and harvested throughout the season. It can also be sown in late summer for a fall crop.
• Zone 10-11:
• In these warm regions with mild winters, arugula can be grown year-round with proper care. Planting can occur in both early spring and late summer for continuous harvests.
• Note: Arugula bolts quickly in hot weather, so providing shade and regular watering can help extend the growing season in warmer zones.

Fast Facts:

• Planting Depth: ¼ inch
• Seed Spacing: 1 inch
• Plant Spacing: 6-8 inches
• Number of Seeds per Pot/Container: 2-3 seeds
• Water Preferences: Keep soil consistently moist
• Sun Preferences: Partial to full sun
• Soil Type and Other Important Factors: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter
• Companion Planting: Compatible with beans, cucumbers, and brassicas
• Days to Germination: 7-10 days
• Days to Harvest: 25-40 days
• Temperature Preferences: 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C)