How to Grow Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro Apollo
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Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro Apollo
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableAstro Apollo is a serrated-leaf arugula variety prized for its deeply lobed, feathery foliage and distinctive peppery flavor. This cool-season leafy green grows quickly and is ideal for salads, garnishes, and cooked dishes. It combines the bold flavor of traditional arugula with attractive, ornamental leaf texture.
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Example Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro Apollo timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro Apollo
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 Apollo
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best grown as a cool-season crop in spring and fall
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Get my Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro Apollo timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksDelicate cotyledons emerge within 5-10 days. True serrated leaves begin to appear after 1-2 weeks with characteristic feathery, deeply lobed texture.
Keep soil moist and maintain cool temperatures (50-65°F). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Protect from slugs and flea beetles.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops rosette of increasingly large, serrated leaves. Foliage becomes dense and ornamental with deep lobing and frilly edges. Plant height reaches 8-12 inches.
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures. Begin harvest of outer leaves once plant has 4-6 true leaves. Keep soil fertilized with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Pre-Bolting
1-2 weeksCenter of plant begins to elongate slightly. Leaves remain tender but plant signals readiness to flower. This is the optimal harvest window.
Increase harvest frequency to prevent bolting. Provide afternoon shade in hot weather. Water more regularly to delay flowering.
Bolting & Flowering
1-2 weeksPlant sends up central flower stalk with small white or cream-colored flowers. Leaves become larger, thicker, and more bitter as plant dedicates energy to reproduction.
Once bolting begins, remaining leaves become too bitter for most uses. Allow some plants to flower for seed production if desired. Remove bolted plants to make room for new sowings.
Seed Production
3-4 weeksSmall seed pods (siliques) form along the flower stalk after pollination. Pods mature to brown and dry, containing 8-12 small seeds.
Leave flowering stems intact if saving seeds. Allow pods to fully dry on plant before harvesting. Cut entire stalk when most pods are brown and store in a dry location to finish drying.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on seedlings. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Plant nasturtiums as trap crop. Remove affected leaves and increase air circulation.
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Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Use copper barriers or sluggo. Keep mulch minimal around plants. Beer traps or diatomaceous earth can help.
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Spray with strong water stream. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
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Use row covers on young plants. Pick off caterpillars by hand. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if infestation is severe.
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Use row covers. Remove and destroy affected leaves. Apply neem oil or Bt spray.
Uses
Fresh Salads & Peppery Garnish
CulinaryThe serrated leaves add distinctive peppery, slightly spicy flavor to mixed green salads, provide elegant garnish for soups and appetizers, and contribute visual interest with their feathery texture. The mild peppery bite complements vinaigrettes, goat cheese, and fruit-based dressings. [source]
Cooked Greens & Pesto
CulinaryArugula leaves can be sautéed, steamed, or wilted into pasta dishes, risotto, and grain bowls. The ornamental serrated foliage also makes striking arugula pesto when blended with nuts, garlic, cheese, and oil. [source]
Glucosinolate-Rich Nutritional Support
MedicinalArugula contains glucosinolates, compounds that break down into isothiocyanates with potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption may support detoxification and immune function. [source]
Microgreens Production
HouseholdArugula seeds are ideal for indoor microgreen growing, producing harvestable, nutrient-dense seedlings in 10-14 days. The serrated variety provides both visual appeal and concentrated flavor. [source]
Pollinator Attractor
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, arugula produces small white blooms that attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden ecosystem health. [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 plant has 4-6 true leaves, typically 30-40 days from sowing. Pinch off leaves from the outside of the rosette, allowing inner leaves to continue growing. For tender, mild flavor, harvest in cool weather (below 70°F) early in the morning. Once bolting begins, flavor becomes bitter and quality declines. Harvest the entire plant if preferred, cutting 1-2 inches above soil line. Serrated Leaf varieties are excellent for microgreens—harvest at 10-14 days for tender seedlings.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and was considered an aphrodisiac in ancient Rome, sometimes served at celebratory feasts.
- 🌱 The serrated leaf varieties like Astro Apollo are prized by chefs and gardeners for their ornamental, deeply lobed foliage that resembles miniature oak or fern leaves, making them attractive in both kitchen gardens and decorative edible plantings.
- 🌱 Arugula is extremely frost-tolerant and can survive temperatures down to 28°F, making it one of the last greens standing in fall gardens; it actually tastes sweeter after a light frost as sugars increase.
Gardening Terms
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