How to Grow Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro
Wikimedia Commons
Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableArugula is a fast-growing, peppery leafy green that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Serrated Leaf Astro is a cultivar prized for its deeply lobed, serrated foliage and robust flavor, producing tender leaves ideal for fresh salads and cooked dishes. This cool-season crop thrives in spring and fall, offering quick harvests in as little as 30-40 days.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro 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 Astro timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers cool weather in spring and fall, can be grown year-round in mild climates
Sign up free to see if Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge within 5-10 days; first true leaves develop with characteristic serrated edges
Keep soil moist but not soggy; ensure adequate light to prevent leggy seedlings; thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple deeply lobed, serrated leaves forming a rosette; stems remain tender and edible
Water regularly to maintain moist soil; provide consistent cool temperatures; avoid nitrogen excess which promotes excessive leaf production; protect from intense afternoon sun in hot weather
Pre-Harvest/Full Maturity
1-2 weeksPlant reaches 6-12 inches tall with full rosette of mature, deeply serrated leaves; leaves become more peppery in flavor
Begin harvesting outer leaves to encourage continued production; maintain consistent moisture; avoid heat stress which triggers bolting
Bolting
Variable; occurs faster in heatPlant sends up flowering stems with small white or yellowish flowers; leaves become bitter and tough
Harvest remaining leaves before bolting accelerates; can allow some plants to bolt for seed production; remove bolted plants to make room for new sowings
Seed Production
4-6 weeks after floweringFlowers develop into elongated silique seed pods; seeds mature and dry within pods
Allow selected plants to remain; do not water heavily; allow pods to fully dry before collecting seeds; save seeds in cool, dry conditions for future growing
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers on young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; mulch to reduce overwintering sites
-
Hand-pick caterpillars; use row covers; spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); encourage parasitic wasps
-
and
Remove debris and mulch near soil surface; hand-pick at dusk; use beer traps; encourage predatory beetles and ground beetles
-
Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs and lacewings; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil; encourage natural predators; ensure good air circulation
Uses
Fresh Salads & Peppery Greens
CulinaryArugula's distinctive peppery, slightly spicy flavor makes it ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches, and as a nutritious salad base. The serrated leaves add visual interest and are tender enough to eat raw when young. [source]
Pesto & Cooked Dishes
CulinaryMature arugula leaves make excellent pesto when blended with garlic, nuts, and oil. The leaves also wilt beautifully into pasta dishes, soups, and stir-fries, providing depth of flavor. [source]
Nutrient-Dense Superfood
MedicinalArugula is rich in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium. It contains glucosinolates and indoles that research suggests may support liver detoxification and have anti-cancer properties. [source]
Seed Oil Production
HouseholdArugula seeds produce an oil with a distinctive peppery flavor used in some culinary applications and cosmetic formulations. Home gardeners can collect and press seeds for small-batch oil. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, arugula produces delicate white or yellow blooms that attract bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators. The flowers are also edible and add peppery flavor to salads. [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 is 4-6 inches tall, typically 30-40 days from planting. Pinch or cut leaves from outside of rosette to encourage continued growth and delay bolting. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and crispness. Serrated Leaf Astro can be harvested as baby greens (25-30 days) for tender, mild leaves or mature (40-50 days) for fuller peppery flavor. Continue harvesting before plant bolts in heat. For best flavor, harvest before temperatures exceed 75°F regularly.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated since ancient Roman times and was believed to have aphrodisiac properties, appearing in medieval love potions.
- 🌱 The name 'arugula' comes from the Italian word 'ruchetta,' and in some regions it's called 'rocket' or 'roquette,' reflecting its popularity in Mediterranean cuisine.
- 🌱 Serrated Leaf Astro is a relatively modern cultivar bred for improved leaf shape, texture, and pest resistance compared to traditional arugula varieties, making it a favorite among commercial growers and home gardeners.
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 Astro planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Arugula, Serrated Leaf Astro 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 Astro timeline →