How to Grow Arugula (Wild Rocket)

Arugula (Wild Rocket)

Diplotaxis tenuifolia

vegetable

Wild rocket is a peppery leafy green with deeply lobed leaves that grows taller and more vigorously than cultivated arugula. It has a sharper, more complex flavor and is more cold-hardy and slower to bolt than its cultivated cousin. This Italian brassica has been used in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries and thrives in cool-season growing.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily, tolerates light shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 1-2 times per week depending on weather; more frequent watering during hot weather and less in cool seasons

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: 30-50 days

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining fertile loam

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Nitrogen-rich fertilizer for leafy growth

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler weather and can be grown year-round in mild climates

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

Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

1-2 weeks

Seeds sprout in 3-7 days with consistent moisture; seedlings develop 2-4 true leaves

Keep soil evenly moist; thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once they have true leaves; provide indirect light initially

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Plant develops multiple deeply lobed leaves; stem grows taller and more robust; foliage becomes darker green

Maintain consistent moisture; apply mulch to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool; fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer

Leaf Development & Harvest-Ready

1-2 weeks

Leaves reach 3-6 inches in length; plant develops characteristic deeply divided, feathery foliage; becomes ready for harvesting

Begin light harvesting of outer leaves; continue regular watering; monitor for pests; provide shade cloth if temperatures exceed 75°F to slow bolting

Peak Harvesting

2-4 weeks

Plant produces abundant tender leaves suitable for continuous picking; maintains quality in cool weather

Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production; water consistently; remove any bolting flower buds if aiming to extend harvest

Bolting & Flowering

1-2 weeks

Plant sends up flowering stems with small yellow flowers; leaves become tougher and more peppery; flavor intensifies

Harvest before heavy bolting for best leaf quality; flowers are edible and add peppery kick to salads; save seed if desired

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Tomato Cucumber Radish Carrot Lettuce Spinach Basil Nasturtium Borage

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) Fennel Dill

Common Pests

Use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; dust with diatomaceous earth
Hand-pick larvae; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); apply spinosad; use floating row covers
Spray with insecticidal soap; use neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps; spray water to dislodge
and
Hand-pick at dawn/dusk; use copper tape around raised beds; apply diatomaceous earth; create beer traps
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil; encourage natural predators; remove heavily infested leaves

Uses

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Fresh Salads & Peppery Greens

Culinary

Wild rocket's distinctive sharp, peppery flavor with pungent notes adds complexity to mixed green salads, risottos, pasta dishes, and pizzas. The deeply lobed leaves provide visual interest and robust flavor that stands up to strong dressings and aged cheeses. [source]

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Pesto & Sauce Base

Culinary

The peppery leaves make an excellent alternative to basil pesto, blended with garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil. Wild rocket pesto has a more intense, spicy kick than traditional basil preparations. [source]

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Digestive & Anti-inflammatory

Medicinal

Wild rocket contains glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Traditionally used in Mediterranean folk medicine to support digestion and general wellness. [source]

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

The small, delicate yellow flowers that appear during bolting are completely edible and add a milder peppery flavor and visual appeal to gourmet salads and plated dishes. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

When allowed to flower, wild rocket provides early nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It's particularly valuable as an early-season food source. [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 leaves when plant reaches 4-6 inches tall, typically 30-50 days after sowing. Use the 'cut and come again' method: pinch or cut outer leaves from the base, leaving inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and crispness. Regular harvesting encourages more leaf production. For whole plant harvest, cut at soil level. Wild rocket becomes more peppery as temperatures cool and can be harvested through fall and winter in mild climates. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at once unless harvesting the entire plant.

Fun Facts

🌱 Wild rocket is a perennial plant that will regrow from the same root system year after year if left unharvested, unlike cultivated arugula which is typically grown as an annual
🌱 The name 'rocket' comes from the Italian 'ruchetta' and has been cultivated in Mediterranean gardens since at least the Middle Ages, where it was valued both for its flavor and traditional medicinal properties
🌱 Wild rocket actually becomes less bitter and more tender when grown in cooler temperatures, making it an ideal cool-season crop for fall, winter, and spring gardens

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