How to Grow Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf
Wikimedia Commons
Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableA peppery leafy green with deeply serrated, olive-green leaves that are more finely textured than standard arugula varieties. This cultivar offers a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to common arugula while maintaining the characteristic peppery notes. It's an excellent choice for salads, cooking, and microgreen production.
When should you plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; best as a cool-season crop in spring and fall
Sign up free to see if Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
5-10 daysSeeds sprout and first cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge. Seedlings appear delicate with smooth oval leaves.
Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain temperature between 50-70°F for optimal germination. Germination occurs in 5-10 days.
Early Vegetative
10-14 daysTrue leaves begin to emerge with the characteristic serrated edges becoming visible. Plants develop 2-3 sets of leaves.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing (6 inches). Water regularly to keep soil moist. Begin fertilizing with diluted balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Leaf Development
10-20 daysRosette of deeply serrated, olive-green leaves expands. Plants reach 6-8 inches tall with dense foliage.
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Watch for bolting in warm weather.
Harvesting
2-4 weeksOuter leaves are mature and ready for picking; plant is at peak flavor and tenderness, before any flowering begins.
Begin harvesting outer leaves when 3-4 inches long. Pinch leaves at the base. Continue harvesting to delay bolting. Morning harvest provides crispest leaves.
Maturity/Bolting
Variable; occurs when conditions favor floweringPlant may begin producing flower buds and tall flower stems if temperatures rise or days lengthen. Leaves become progressively more bitter.
Harvest immediately before bolting occurs. If bolting begins, remove flowers to extend leaf harvest slightly. Plant may produce edible flowers.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers over young seedlings. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Dust with diatomaceous earth. Remove debris where beetles overwinter.
-
Use row covers or netting. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Hand-pick caterpillars. Remove affected leaves promptly.
-
Spray with strong water stream. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. Use reflective mulches.
-
Use yellow sticky traps. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase air circulation. Remove heavily infested leaves.
-
and
Remove debris and create barriers. Use beer traps or copper tape. Hand-pick in early morning. Apply food-grade diatomaceous earth.
Uses
Fresh salads and garnish
CulinaryThe serrated olive-green leaves are tender and peppery, perfect for gourmet salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish. The milder flavor of this variety appeals to those who find standard arugula too sharp. [source]
Cooked greens and pasta
CulinarySauté or wilt arugula with garlic and olive oil as a side dish, or add to pasta, soups, and risottos. Heat mellows the peppery flavor slightly, creating a more refined taste. [source]
Microgreens and sprouts
CulinaryArugula seeds germinate quickly and produce tender, flavorful microgreens in 7-10 days. These are popular in upscale cuisine for their concentrated peppery taste. [source]
Glucosinolate-rich health benefits
MedicinalArugula contains glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds with potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds are particularly abundant in leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables. [source]
Pest deterrent and rotation crop
HouseholdArugula can be used in crop rotation systems to break pest and disease cycles. Its peppery compounds may help deter some garden pests naturally. [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 they reach 3-4 inches long, typically 30-50 days after planting. Pinch or cut leaves at the base of the stem to encourage continued growth. Morning harvest yields the crispest leaves with highest water content. For maximum tenderness and mild flavor, harvest before any flower buds appear. This variety is excellent for continuous harvesting throughout the growing season. In warm climates, plant in fall for winter harvest when flavor is sweetest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated since Roman times and was a favorite of Julius Caesar, prized for its peppery flavor and supposed aphrodisiac properties.
- 🌱 The Arleston Olive Leaf variety was specifically developed to offer a more refined, less intensely peppery flavor than standard arugula while maintaining the elegant serrated foliage.
- 🌱 Arugula flowers are edible and add a delicate peppery note to salads and garnishes; they range from white to pale yellow and are as nutritious as the leaves.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Arugula, Serrated Leaf Arleston Olive Leaf timeline →