How to Grow Arugula, Serrated Leaf
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Arugula, Serrated Leaf
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableSerrated leaf arugula is a peppery leafy green with deeply lobed, feathery foliage that has a more delicate appearance than standard arugula varieties. It offers the same pungent, mustard-like flavor profile but with a slightly milder taste and more tender texture. This fast-growing cool-season crop is perfect for salads, garnishes, and cooked dishes.
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Example Arugula, Serrated Leaf timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf
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, Serrated Leaf
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; grows year-round in mild climates
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Get my Arugula, Serrated Leaf timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
5-10 daysSeeds sprout with cotyledons (seed leaves) visible; soil temperature should be 50-65°F
Keep soil consistently moist; avoid crusting over soil surface; provide adequate light to prevent leggy seedlings
Seedling
2-3 weeksFirst true leaves emerge with characteristic serrated edges; plant is small with 2-4 leaves
Thin seedlings to proper spacing if grown direct; ensure 12+ hours of light daily; maintain soil moisture; avoid waterlogging
Vegetative Growth
2-4 weeksPlant develops multiple deeply lobed, feathery leaves; leafy canopy expands; roots deepen
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (55-70°F); mulch to retain moisture and cool soil; monitor for bolting in warm weather
Pre-Harvest Maturity
1-2 weeksPlant reaches desired harvest size with 8-12 mature leaves; leaves are tender and full-flavored
Begin harvesting outer leaves to encourage continued growth; provide afternoon shade if temperatures exceed 75°F to delay bolting
Bolting (End of Season)
Variable; accelerates in heatPlant sends up flowering stalks with small white or pale yellow flowers; leaves become bitter and tougher
Harvest remaining leaves before or immediately after bolting begins; allow some plants to flower for seed production if desired
Common Pests
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Row covers, neem oil spray, insecticidal soap; plant resistant varieties; encourage beneficial insects
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Floating row covers, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), hand-picking caterpillars, companion planting with herbs
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Strong water spray, neem oil, insecticidal soap, ladybugs, lacewings
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and
Hand-picking, beer traps, diatomaceous earth, copper barriers, encourage ground beetles
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Yellow sticky traps, neem oil, insecticidal soap, reflective mulch
Uses
Fresh Salads & Peppery Greens
CulinarySerrated leaf arugula's tender, delicate fronds are perfect for salads where a milder peppery bite is desired. The feathery leaves add visual interest and can be harvested young as microgreens or baby leaves. [source]
Cooked Dishes & Wilting Greens
CulinaryThe serrated variety becomes mild and sweet when cooked, making it ideal for pasta dishes, soups, and sautéed preparations. Its tender texture means it requires less cooking time than heartier greens. [source]
Pesto & Sauces
CulinaryBlend fresh arugula leaves with garlic, nuts, cheese, and oil to create a vibrant pesto with a peppery kick. The serrated variety's delicate leaves blend smoothly into creamy preparations. [source]
Nutritional & Antioxidant Benefits
MedicinalArugula is rich in glucosinolates, which have been studied for potential anti-cancer properties, and contains vitamins K, C, and A. It also provides folate and minerals like calcium and iron. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, arugula produces delicate white or yellow blooms that attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden. [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 plant has 8+ leaves (30-40 days from sowing); pinch or cut leaves 1 inch above soil level; harvest in morning for best flavor; continue harvesting to encourage bushier growth and delay bolting; serrated leaf varieties are typically more tender for baby leaf harvesting (20-30 days); stop harvesting once plant bolts as leaves become bitter
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Serrated leaf arugula is sometimes called 'rocket' or 'roquette' in European cuisines and has been cultivated for over 2,000 years in Mediterranean regions.
- 🌱 The peppery flavor in arugula comes from glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, the same compounds found in wasabi and horseradish, which develop more intensely as the plant matures or is exposed to cooler temperatures.
- 🌱 Arugula is a cool-season crop that can be harvested year-round in mild climates and is often grown as a winter annual in zones 8-10, making it one of the few vegetables that thrives during cold months.
Gardening Terms
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