How to Grow Arugula, Serrated Leaf Serrata
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Arugula, Serrated Leaf Serrata
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableArugula is a fast-growing, peppery-flavored leafy green with deeply lobed, serrated leaves characteristic of the Serrata variety. This cool-season crop is popular in Mediterranean cuisine and grows rapidly from seed to harvest. The Serrata selection offers more intensely jagged foliage and a robust, spicy flavor profile.
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Example Arugula, Serrated Leaf Serrata timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Serrata
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 Serrata
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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Germination
7-10 daysSeeds sprout and develop first cotyledons (seed leaves). Soil appears disturbed with small green shoots emerging.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Germination occurs in 7-10 days at 60-70°F. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early.
Seedling
2-3 weeksTrue leaves begin to appear, with the characteristic deeply serrated margins becoming visible. Plants are small and delicate.
Maintain consistent moisture. Thin to 6-inch spacing. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Avoid overwatering to prevent damping-off.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksRosette of deeply lobed, serrated leaves expands rapidly. Leaf color deepens to rich green. Plant becomes bushier with multiple leaf stems.
Continue regular watering. Fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Pinch back flower buds if they form too early.
Flowering
1-2 weeksTall flower stalks emerge from the center with small white, pink, or cream flowers with purple veining. Leaves become slightly tougher.
Harvest leaves before or during early flowering for peak tenderness and flavor. Remove flower buds promptly if continued leaf harvest is desired. Flowers are edible.
Senescence/Seed Set
2-3 weeksPlants bolt completely with elongated stems and pods developing. Leaves become bitter and tougher. Plant energy shifts to seed production.
Harvest any remaining usable leaves. Allow some plants to mature for seed collection if desired. Entire plant is generally past peak eating quality.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants, apply kaolin clay, or use spinosad spray. Trap with yellow sticky cards.
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects, or apply neem oil.
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Use row covers, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), or handpick caterpillars.
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and
Handpick at night, use beer traps, create barriers with diatomaceous earth, or apply copper tape.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, encourage parasitic wasps.
Uses
Fresh Salads & Peppery Greens
CulinaryArugula's signature peppery, slightly mustardy flavor makes it ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Young, tender leaves of Serrata are milder; mature leaves offer intense spice. Pairs well with mild lettuces, citrus vinaigrettes, and creamy dressings. [source]
Pesto & Cooked Preparations
CulinaryArugula can be blended into vibrant pesto, sautéed as a cooked green, or added to pasta dishes and soups near the end of cooking. The serrated variety's robust flavor holds up well to cooking and bold flavors. [source]
Nutritional & Antioxidant Benefits
MedicinalRich in vitamins K, A, and C, plus glucosinolates and other sulfur compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive properties. Contains calcium and iron, making it nutritionally dense for greens. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeArugula flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Allowing some plants to flower in succession plantings provides excellent forage for beneficial insects. [source]
Microgreens & Sprouts
HouseholdArugula seeds germinate quickly and grow into nutritious, peppery microgreens ready to harvest in 10-14 days. Perfect for indoor growing on windowsills or in trays. [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 plants are 4-6 inches tall (about 3-4 weeks from planting), or harvest entire rosette at 6-8 inches. Cut leaves at the base or pinch off tops. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and texture. Serrated Serrata is best harvested at younger stages for maximum tenderness—once flowering begins, leaves become increasingly bitter and tough. Regular harvesting promotes continued leaf production. In cool seasons, plants can be harvested for 6-8 weeks with succession planting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated since ancient Roman times, with historical references suggesting it was used by Roman soldiers as an aphrodisiac to boost vitality before battle.
- 🌱 The 'Serrata' variety name comes from the Italian word for 'saw-toothed,' referring to the deeply jagged leaf margins that are more pronounced than standard arugula varieties.
- 🌱 Arugula bolts (flowers and sets seed) remarkably quickly, especially in warm weather—sometimes in as little as 4-6 weeks—making succession planting every 2-3 weeks essential for continuous harvests.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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