How to Grow Arugula
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Arugula
Eruca vesicaria
vegetableArugula is a fast-growing, peppery leafy green with deeply lobed leaves and a distinctive sharp, mustard-like flavor. It thrives in cool seasons and is prized for salads, pestos, and cooked dishes. The plant also produces delicate white or pale yellow flowers with purple veins that are edible and decorative.
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Example Arugula timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arugula
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Arugula
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Arugula dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in cool-season zones 3-9; grows year-round in mild climates
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Get my Arugula timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-14 daysTiny seed leaves (cotyledons) emerge, followed by the first true leaves with characteristic lobes.
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Provide good air circulation to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple deeply lobed leaves on thin stems. Leaves are tender and mild at this stage.
Water regularly and maintain consistent moisture. Monitor for flea beetles and other pests. Maintain cool temperatures for best flavor.
Mature Harvest Ready
1-2 weeksPlant reaches full size with abundant peppery leaves, typically 6-12 inches tall. Leaves are tender and flavorful.
Begin harvesting outer leaves for continuous production. Pinch off any flower buds if you want to extend the leaf harvest period.
Flowering
2-3 weeksPlant sends up flower stalks with delicate white or pale yellow flowers with purple veins. Leaves become coarser and more bitter.
Flowers are edible and attractive. If continuing to harvest, pinch off flowers. Otherwise, allow flowering to attract pollinators.
Seed Production
3-4 weeksFlowers develop into elongated seed pods. Plant becomes woody and less palatable.
Allow pods to mature on the plant if saving seeds. Harvest mature, dry pods and extract seeds for storage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap, apply diatomaceous earth, companion plant with nasturtium as trap crop
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Spray with strong water jet, use insecticidal soap, introduce ladybugs, apply neem oil
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Use fine mesh netting, hand-pick caterpillars, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
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and
Remove hiding places, hand-pick at night, use copper barriers, apply food-grade diatomaceous earth
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil, introduce parasitic wasps
Uses
Peppery salads and raw preparations
CulinaryArugula's peppery, pungent flavor makes it ideal for salads, sandwiches, and fresh preparations. It pairs well with citrus, nuts, and creamy dressings. [source]
Pesto and cooked dishes
CulinaryYoung leaves can be used to make arugula pesto, or wilted into pasta, soups, and other hot dishes. The flavor mellows when cooked. [source]
Digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits
MedicinalArugula contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. Traditional herbalism uses it to support digestion and overall wellness. [source]
Edible flowers
CulinaryThe delicate white and pale yellow flowers are edible and add a mild peppery flavor and visual appeal to salads and garnishes. [source]
Nitrogen-fixing rotation crop
HouseholdAs a brassica, arugula can be incorporated into crop rotation systems to improve soil health and reduce pest pressures in vegetable gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when the plant is 4-6 inches tall, typically 30-40 days after planting. Pinch or cut leaves from the outside inward to encourage continued growth. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and crispness. For a continuous harvest, pick regularly before the plant flowers. Arugula is most tender and mildest when harvested young; older leaves become stronger and more bitter. Cut at the base of leaves or use scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated since Roman times and was considered an aphrodisiac in ancient Mediterranean cuisine.
- 🌱 The name 'arugula' comes from the Italian 'rucola,' which derives from the Latin 'eruca,' the plant's scientific genus name.
- 🌱 Arugula grows so quickly that you can often harvest baby leaves within 3-4 weeks, making it one of the fastest crops for succession planting in spring and fall gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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