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How to Grow Arugula Serrated Leaf Apollo

Arugula Serrated Leaf Apollo

Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa

vegetable

Arugula Serrated Leaf Apollo is a peppery leafy green with deeply lobed, serrated foliage that adds visual interest and texture to salads and dishes. This Italian heirloom variety is prized for its intense, spicy flavor profile and attractive frilly leaf structure. It is a cool-season crop that grows quickly and is ideal for successive plantings throughout spring and fall.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily; afternoon shade extends harvest in hot seasons
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Arugula prefers cool, moist conditions and bolts quickly if allowed to dry out.
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Spacing: 6 inches
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Days to maturity: 30-40 days
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Planting depth: 0.25 to 0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.8
Amendments:
Compost Aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers cool seasons and can be grown year-round in mild climates

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

1

Germination

5-7 days

Seeds sprout within 5-7 days in cool soil (50-70°F). Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons visible.

Keep soil moist and maintain consistent temperature. Provide indirect light to prevent etiolation.

2

Seedling

7-10 days

First true leaves appear with characteristic serrated edges. Plants develop 2-4 true leaves.

Thin seedlings to 6-inch spacing if direct seeded. Maintain cool temperatures (60-70°F) and consistent moisture.

3

Vegetative Growth

15-20 days

Plant develops multiple deeply lobed, frilly leaves. Foliage becomes lush and dark green.

Monitor for bolting as temperatures warm. Apply consistent watering and light fertilizing if needed. Pinch off any flower buds to extend leaf production.

4

Harvest-Ready

Ongoing until bolting

Plant reaches full size with mature, tender serrated leaves ready for cutting. Leaves are tender and at peak spice.

Begin harvesting outer leaves while inner leaves continue growing. Use cut-and-come-again method for continuous yield.

5

Bolting

5-10 days before full senescence

Plant produces tall flower stalks with yellow flowers and elongated seed pods.

Once bolting begins, leaf quality and flavor decline. Plant can be left to flower for seed saving or succession planted with fresh seed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Tomatoes Lettuce Spinach Radishes Parsnips Carrots Basil Chamomile Nasturtiums

Avoid planting near:

Cabbage Kale Broccoli Brassicas in general Fennel Dill

Common Pests

  • Use row covers until plants are established. Apply neem oil or spinosad. Encourage beneficial insects. Dust with diatomaceous earth.

  • Use floating row covers. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Hand-pick caterpillars. Encourage parasitic wasps.

  • Spray with strong water jet. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings.

  • and

    Remove debris and hiding spots. Use copper tape around beds. Hand-pick at night. Apply iron phosphate bait.

  • Use yellow sticky traps. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators.

Uses

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Fresh Salads & Pesto

Culinary

Arugula Serrated Leaf Apollo's distinctive peppery bite and frilly leaves make it excellent raw in salads, grain bowls, and sandwiches. The leaves can also be blended into pesto, providing a spicy alternative to basil-based versions. [source]

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Cooked Greens

Culinary

When lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil, the serrated leaves become milder and tender, making an excellent side dish or addition to pasta, risotto, and soups. [source]

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Digestive & Antioxidant Support

Medicinal

Arugula contains glucosinolates and compounds with potential cancer-fighting properties, as well as vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like calcium and iron that support overall health. [source]

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Microgreens

Household

Apollo arugula grows quickly as a microgreen crop (10-14 days), offering concentrated nutrition and peppery flavor in a compact form for garnishing and nutritional boost. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

When allowed to flower, arugula's yellow blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystem health and seed production. [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 when leaves are 4-6 inches long, approximately 30-40 days after planting. Use the cut-and-come-again method: cut outer leaves with scissors 1 inch above the soil line, allowing the center to continue growing. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and texture. Pick regularly to prevent bolting and encourage tenderness. For maximum peppery flavor, harvest before the plant flowers. Leaves are most tender when young; older leaves become tougher and more bitter.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated in the Mediterranean since Roman times and was mentioned in ancient texts as a plant with aphrodisiac properties.
  • 🌱 The serrated leaf form of Apollo is more decorative and texture-rich than standard arugula, making it popular with chefs for visual presentation on upscale plates.
  • 🌱 Arugula's peppery flavor comes from glucosinolates, the same compounds found in other Brassicas like broccoli and cabbage, which increase when the plant experiences cooler temperatures.

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