Growing arugula can be tricky for new gardeners. This leafy green is part of the brassica family, like kale and broccoli. Our guide will show you how to grow arugula from seed to harvest.
Learn the best tips for planting, caring, and picking this tasty green.
Key Takeaways
- Plant arugula in cool weather (45-65°F) for best flavor. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Use rich, well-drained soil with pH 6-7. Mix in compost before planting. Water 1-2 inches weekly.
- Harvest young leaves 3-4 inches long after 3-4 weeks. Cut 1 inch above soil for regrowth.
- Plant new seeds every 2 weeks for ongoing harvest. Remove flower stalks to keep leaves growing.
- Watch for pests like cabbage loopers. Use row covers or pick bugs off by hand to protect plants.
Optimal Conditions for Planting Arugula
Arugula thrives in cool temps and rich soil. Plant it in early spring or fall for the best results.
Best time to plant
Plant arugula in early spring or late summer. In Houston, September is perfect for fall and winter harvest. Colder areas can start before the last frost if soil is workable. Chicago gardeners can sow seeds as early as February for a March harvest.
For non-stop greens, plant every 2-3 weeks until 4-6 weeks before the first fall frost. This method gives you fresh arugula for at least 8 months.
Cool weather brings out arugula’s best flavor. It grows fast in temps between 45-65°F. Hot weather makes leaves tough and bitter. Plant in full sun for spring crops. Give partial shade in summer to keep leaves tender.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart as they grow.
Ideal soil conditions
Arugula loves rich, well-drained soil. Mix compost into your garden bed to boost nutrients. The soil pH should stay between 6 and 7 – slightly acidic to neutral. This range helps arugula absorb nutrients best.
Good drainage prevents root rot. Add sand or perlite to heavy clay soils. Raised beds work great for arugula. They offer perfect drainage and warm up fast in spring. Use a 6-inch deep container at least.
A 12-inch deep pot is even better for stronger roots.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Ready to plant arugula? We’ve got you covered. Our guide walks you through each step, from soil prep to seed sowing.
Preparing the soil
Soil prep is key for happy arugula. Good soil means tasty leaves.
- Loosen soil 6-12 inches deep with a garden fork
- Remove rocks, sticks, and weeds
- Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure
- Level the area with a rake
- Test soil pH – aim for 6.0 to 7.0
- Add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it if needed
- Water the area well and let it settle for a day
- Create shallow furrows 1/4 inch deep for seeds
Next, let’s look at how to sow arugula seeds properly.
Sowing the seeds
After prepping the soil, it’s time to plant. Sowing arugula seeds is easy and quick.
- Dig shallow rows 10 inches apart. Make them ¼ inch deep.
- Drop seeds 1 inch apart in the rows. Arugula seeds are tiny like kale seeds.
- Cover seeds lightly with soil. Pat gently to ensure good contact.
- Water the area with a fine spray. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Expect seedlings in 6 to 10 days. They pop up fast!
- Thin plants to 4 inches apart when they grow. This gives them room to mature.
- Plant more seeds every two weeks. This keeps your harvest going.
- Stop sowing 4 to 6 weeks before first frost. Arugula is a cool-season crop.
Importance of Fertilization in Arugula Growth
Fertilizer boosts arugula growth. It gives plants the nutrients they need to thrive.
Understanding NPK Ratios and Their Benefits to Arugula
NPK ratios are key for arugula growth. These numbers show the mix of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in fertilizer. Arugula loves nitrogen-rich food. It helps make leaves big and green.
A 5-5-5 mix works well for most soil types. But if your soil lacks nutrients, try a 10-10-10 blend.
Compost often gives arugula all it needs. It’s packed with good stuff for plants. If you use compost, you might not need extra fertilizer. Just mix it into the soil before planting.
This keeps your arugula happy and healthy. Plus, it’s a natural way to feed your plants.
Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizers for Arugula
Arugula growers face a choice between inorganic and organic fertilizers. Both types offer benefits for plant growth.
| Organic Fertilizers | Inorganic Fertilizers |
|---|---|
| Made from natural sources | Synthetic compounds |
| Improve soil health | Quick growth impact |
| Include compost and manure | Contain NPK nutrients |
| Slow-release nutrients | Fast-acting nutrients |
| Enhance flavor and nutrition | Boost plant size and yield |
Gardeners choose based on their goals and practices. Proper use of either type can lead to tasty, nutrient-rich arugula. Next, we’ll explore how to care for your growing arugula plants.
Caring for Arugula Plants
Arugula needs care to thrive. Water it often and watch for bugs.
Watering requirements
Arugula needs 1 to 2 inches of water each week. Focus on watering the roots, not the leaves. This keeps the taste from getting too spicy. Check the soil often. Water when the top inch feels dry.
In hot weather, water more to get lots of leaves. Add a layer of mulch to keep moisture in and stop weeds. Rich soil helps arugula grow well and hold water better.
Managing pests and diseases
Pests and diseases can harm your arugula plants. Here are key steps to manage them:
- Watch for cabbage loopers and worms. These bugs eat arugula leaves.
- Use row covers. They block pests from reaching your plants.
- Pick off bugs by hand. This works well for small gardens.
- Plant companion crops. Herbs like dill and basil repel some pests.
- Keep your garden clean. Remove dead leaves to stop disease spread.
- Water at the base. Wet leaves can lead to fungal growth.
- Rotate crops yearly. This breaks pest life cycles.
- Use organic sprays. Neem oil fights many common pests.
- Encourage helpful bugs. Ladybugs eat pests that harm arugula.
- Act fast when you spot issues. Quick action stops problems from growing.
Harvesting Arugula
Pick arugula leaves when they’re young and tender. Snip them about an inch above the soil for a tasty, peppery treat.
Best practices for harvesting
Arugula grows fast and tastes best when picked young. Here are top tips for harvesting this peppery green: To ensure a continuous supply, harvest outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to keep developing. Regular picking encourages more growth and prevents the plant from becoming too bitter.
- Pick outer leaves first when they’re 3-4 inches long
- Harvest baby greens in 3-4 weeks for tender salads
- Cut mature leaves at 6 weeks for stronger flavor
- Snip leaves 1 inch above soil to encourage regrowth
- Gather microgreens after just 14 days for garnishes
- Pluck leaves in morning for crispest texture
- Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging plants
- Take only 1/3 of leaves at a time to keep plants healthy
- Rinse harvested leaves in cool water right away
- Store unwashed leaves in fridge for up to 5 days
Tips for continuous yield
Keeping your arugula harvest going takes some planning. Here are tips to get a steady supply of this tasty green:
- Plant new seeds every 2 weeks. This ensures you always have young plants ready to harvest.
- Cut outer leaves first. Let the center keep growing for more harvests.
- Harvest often. Regular picking encourages new growth.
- Use row covers. They protect plants from pests and extend the growing season.
- Provide shade in hot weather. Arugula bolts in heat, so keep it cool.
- Water deeply and often. Moist soil helps arugula grow fast and stay tender.
- Fertilize lightly every 3-4 weeks. This keeps plants strong and productive.
- Remove flower stalks. This keeps the plant focused on leaf growth.
- Sow seeds in stages. Plant some in sun and some in part shade for varied harvest times.
- Use cold frames. They let you grow arugula even in cooler months.
Conclusion
Growing arugula is easy and fun. You’ll enjoy fresh, peppery leaves in just 30 to 45 days. Plant seeds often for a steady supply. Water well and watch for pests. With these tips, you’ll have tasty arugula for salads, pesto, and more all season long.
