How to Grow Arugula Selvatica
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Arugula Selvatica
Diplotaxis tenuifolia
vegetableArugula Selvatica, also known as wild arugula or perennial arugula, is a leafy green with deeply lobed, thin leaves and a more peppery, complex flavor than common arugula. This Mediterranean native plant is perennial in mild climates and produces small white flowers with purple veining. It's hardier and more heat-tolerant than garden arugula (Eruca vesicana), making it excellent for extended harvest seasons.
When should you plant Arugula Selvatica in your zone?
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Example Arugula Selvatica timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arugula Selvatica
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 Selvatica
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Arugula Selvatica dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; grown as annual in cooler regions, perennial in warmer zones
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Get my Arugula Selvatica timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysTiny seedlings emerge with delicate cotyledons and initial true leaves developing. Plants are fragile and require consistent moisture.
Keep soil evenly moist, maintain temperatures 50-70°F if possible, provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing at 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
20-30 daysYoung plants develop increasingly lobed, feathery true leaves characteristic of Selvatica. Foliage deepens in color and becomes bushier.
Water regularly, apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks or side-dress with compost. Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant has 5-6 leaves.
Mature Harvest
30-60 days (ongoing)Plant reaches full size with abundant deeply cut leaves ready for regular harvesting. Flavor is most peppery and complex at this stage.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production. Keep soil consistently moist. In summer, provide afternoon shade to delay bolting.
Flowering
Variable, triggered by warm temperatures and day lengthPlant sends up flowering stalks with small white flowers tinged purple. Leaves may become more bitter as plant transitions to reproduction.
Pinch off flower buds to extend leaf harvest if desired, or allow flowering for ornamental interest and seed production. Flowers are edible and peppery.
Seed Production
60-90 days from floweringFlowers mature into long, thin seed pods (siliques) containing small round seeds. Plant may die back in winter in colder zones.
Allow flowers to remain for seed development if self-seeding is desired. Harvest seed pods when they turn brown and dry. In warmer zones, plant may regrow from perennial roots.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers over seedlings, neem oil spray, diatomaceous earth, encourage native predators like ground beetles
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Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), hand-picking, row covers, companion planting with aromatic herbs
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Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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and
Beer traps, hand-picking at night, copper tape barriers, encourage ground beetles and toads
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Yellow sticky traps, neem oil spray, encourage natural predators, reflective mulches
Uses
Spicy Salad Greens & Fresh Cooking
CulinaryArugula Selvatica's peppery, complex flavor makes it ideal for salads, soups, pasta dishes, and as a fresh garnish. The leaves are more intensely flavored than garden arugula, adding sophisticated heat to any dish. [source]
Pesto & Sauces
CulinaryBlend fresh leaves with olive oil, garlic, nuts, and cheese to create a distinctive peppery pesto. The flavor is more robust than basil-based versions and pairs well with pasta, grilled vegetables, and proteins. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe delicate white and purple flowers are completely edible with a peppery mustard-like flavor. Use them as garnish on salads, soups, or composed dishes for visual appeal and spicy flavor. [source]
Nutritional & Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalRich in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals including calcium and iron. Contains glucosinolates and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making Arugula Selvatica valuable for supporting beneficial insects in the garden while providing ornamental interest. [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 baby leaves at 30-35 days by pinching or cutting outer leaves 1 inch above soil level; this encourages bushier growth and extended harvests. For mature leaves, harvest when 4-6 inches long. Morning harvest provides crispest leaves. Regular harvesting delays bolting. Cut the entire plant 1-2 inches above soil for full harvest; it will regrow. In warmer zones, the perennial roots will regrow the following season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arugula Selvatica is perennial in zones 8 and warmer, where it can regrow from its roots year after year, providing fresh peppery greens for decades with minimal replanting effort.
- 🌱 Unlike common garden arugula which quickly bolts to flower in summer heat, wild arugula is significantly more heat and cold tolerant, making it an excellent choice for extending the growing season in both spring and fall.
- 🌱 The plant was cultivated by ancient Romans and Egyptians, who valued both its culinary properties and its traditional use in fertility rituals and as an aphrodisiac.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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