Arugula
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
Arugula is a fast cool-season leafy green normally direct-sown in early spring or autumn. Plants tolerate frost once established, mature in about 20–40 days from sowing, and turn bitter quickly when heat and long days trigger bolting. Part-sun tolerance makes it workable on bright edges where taller crops cast partial shade.
Plant family Brassicaceae · Also called rocket, roquette
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Sow in cool soil for quick leaves.
Direct sow about 0.6 cm deep outdoors from six weeks before the last spring frost through about two weeks before it. No indoor start is listed; cool soil supports emergence in 5–10 days.
Hardy frost tolerance allows very early sowings. Resow about every 14 days while temperatures stay mild so harvests stay young and mild rather than woody.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use tight spacing or shallow pots.
Thin or sow to 10–15 cm between plants with rows near 30 cm. Compact leafy plants fit between slower crops if moisture is maintained.
Containers need at least 20 cm depth and about 5 litres of medium. Shallow trays dry quickly and encourage early bolting in warm spells.
Core measurements
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Allow for the mature form of the selected variety.
Install support early when it is required or useful.
Harvest young before heat arrives.
Four hours of direct sun satisfies the part-sun label. Bright cool weather produces the best leaf texture before summer heat arrives.
Moderate water at 25–35 mm weekly with pH 6.0–7.0. The key tip emphasizes harvesting young leaves because warmth quickly increases bitterness and flower stalks.
Sunlight
Part sun tolerant (4+ direct-sun hours/day)
Soil pH
A suitable acidity range for general growth.
Weekly water
Moderate water need.
Aim for even moisture and water deeply when the upper 2-3 cm of soil begins to dry.
Resow often on a two-week rhythm.
Expect 20–40 days from sowing. Cut whole rosettes young or pick outer leaves before stems elongate.
Bolting ends leaf quality. Plan a autumn sowing when spring plantings finish early in hot climates.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Harvest young leaves early; warm weather quickly increases bitterness and bolting.
Arugula growing questions
How early can arugula be sown outdoors?
The outdoor window begins about six weeks before the last spring frost and can continue until roughly two weeks before that date.
Why harvest arugula leaves young?
Warm weather and lengthening days increase bitterness and bolting, so frequent young harvests give the best flavor.
Does arugula need full sun?
The profile lists part-sun tolerance with a minimum of four direct-sun hours per day.
What succession timing is listed for arugula?
Resow about every 14 days while cool weather allows steady germination and growth.
Profile values are crop-level planning ranges compiled from sources S1,S3,S4. Local climate and variety can change actual results.
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