How to Grow Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro
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Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableArugula is a fast-growing, peppery leafy green from the Brassicaceae family, prized for its distinctive spicy flavor and tender, deeply lobed leaves. The Serrated Leaf Astro variety features finely cut, feathery foliage with a milder, more refined peppery taste than standard arugula. It matures quickly and is perfect for salads, garnishes, and cooked applications.
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Example Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro
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 Astro
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; grows year-round in mild climates; prefers cool seasons
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Germination & Seedling
7-10 daysSeeds sprout within 5-7 days at 60-70°F. First true leaves appear delicate and simple; cotyledons are rounded.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once first true leaves emerge. Provide consistent warmth and moderate light.
Leaf Development
14-20 daysCharacteristic deeply lobed, feathery leaves emerge with serrated edges. Plant builds rosette form with 6-10 leaves visible.
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (60-70°F ideal). Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for bolting in warm weather.
Mid-Growth
10-15 daysRosette expands substantially; leaves reach 4-6 inches long with pronounced serrated margins. Plant becomes bushy and full.
Begin light harvesting of outer leaves if desired. Keep soil evenly moist. Shade cloth can prevent early bolting in heat.
Harvest Ready
5-7 days optimal windowPlant reaches full maturity with abundant tender leaves filling the rosette. Leaves are peak tenderness and flavor.
Harvest regularly to encourage continued leaf production and delay bolting. Cut outer leaves first or harvest entire rosette.
Bolting & Flowering
Variable based on temperaturePlant sends up flowering stems (bolting) with smaller leaves. Flowers are typically white or pale yellow with purple veins.
Harvest immediately before bolting for best quality. Once flowering begins, leaves become bitter. Remove spent plants.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers over young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; dust with diatomaceous earth; plant early in season to avoid peak populations
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Hand-pick caterpillars; use row covers; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); monitor for white butterfly adults and crush eggs
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and
Remove debris and mulch that harbor pests; use beer traps; hand-pick at night; apply copper barriers; encourage beneficial predators
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Spray with reflective mulch; use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; wash off with strong water spray
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected leaves; apply sulfur or copper fungicide; grow in cool seasons
Uses
Salads & Fresh Greens
CulinaryThe serrated leaves provide an elegant, peppery flavor perfect for mixed green salads, as a garnish, or as a pizza topping. The delicate leaves add visual interest and sophisticated taste to dishes. [source]
Pesto & Sauces
CulinaryBlend arugula leaves into creamy pesto, pasta sauces, or sandwich spreads for a peppery kick. The milder Serrated Leaf variety works well in refined sauce applications. [source]
Cooked Vegetables
CulinarySauté or wilt arugula as a side dish, incorporate into soups, or add to grain bowls just before serving. Cooking mellows the peppery flavor. [source]
Nutritional Powerhouse
MedicinalArugula is rich in glucosinolates and sulfur-containing compounds with potential anti-cancer properties, plus vitamins K, C, and A. Contains beneficial compounds studied for cancer prevention and detoxification support. [source]
Garden Succession Planting
HouseholdFast maturation makes arugula ideal for succession planting every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the growing season. Perfect for maximizing garden productivity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest arugula when leaves are 2-4 inches long for peak tenderness and mild flavor; pick in early morning for best quality. Use scissors or knife to cut outer leaves first, allowing center to continue growing for successive harvests. Entire rosette can be harvested at once by cutting 1 inch above soil line. Best harvested before plant bolts; bolting indicates flowers are developing and leaves become bitter and tough.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated since Roman times and was highly valued by ancient Romans, who believed it had aphrodisiac properties.
- 🌱 The peppery flavor comes from glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds also found in broccoli and cabbage that are activated when leaves are chewed or cut.
- 🌱 Arugula bolts (flowers) extremely quickly in heat—temperatures above 75°F can cause flowering within days, so it's best grown in spring or fall.
Gardening Terms
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