Eruca sativa
History
Arugula has been grown throughout history. In India, the seeds were used to flavor their dishes and the ancient Romans used the leaves to add spice in their meals. In the US, it is a very popular salad green known for its peppery taste and tender leaves.
Seeding:
Direct seed arugula into your garden in mid September. Seed Arugula in rows that are 6” apart, with the seeds 1” apart. Plant seeds to .25” depth.
Spacing:
6” between rows; 1” between seeds
Cultivation:
After seeding your arugula, weed your rows regularly. Once established, a canopy will form and the Arugula will out-compete the majority of weeds. This will leave you with an easy to maintain patch of peppery salad greens. A light feeder, it doesn’t need much soil amending to produce a healthy crop. Arugula is very winter hardy and will grow throughout winter in zone 6 south.
Pests:
The flea beetle is an annoying pest of arugula. It will pierce holes in your leaves, making them not as attractive. However, the arugula will still be tasty and shouldn’t be avoided. Flea beetles are primarily a problem in the summer and during hot, drought conditions. Early spring and late fall plantings will likely avoid this annoying pest.
Harvest:
Harvest arugula anytime once true leaves appear. For multiple harvests, wait to harvest until the plants reach 5-6”. Grown in cool conditions, the leaves have a mild, but distinct peppery taste. Spring plantings tend to flower quickly. As are all brassicas, the flowers are edible and also tasty.
