How to Grow Arugula, Serrated Leaf Roquette
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Arugula, Serrated Leaf Roquette
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableArugula is a fast-growing, peppery leafy green that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Also known as roquette or rocket, it produces deeply lobed, serrated leaves with a distinctive sharp, mustard-like flavor. This cool-season crop is perfect for salads, pestos, and cooked dishes, and can be harvested in just 3-4 weeks from planting.
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Example Arugula, Serrated Leaf Roquette timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Roquette
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 Roquette
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; prefers cool weather and can be grown year-round in mild climates
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Germination & Seedling
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout within 5-10 days. Seedlings develop their first true leaves with characteristic serrated margins.
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 leaves. Provide bright light if growing indoors.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops more serrated leaves and grows in a loose rosette pattern. Leaves become increasingly peppery in flavor.
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (60-70°F ideal). Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer if needed. Mulch to retain moisture.
Leaf Development & Early Harvest
1-2 weeksLeaves reach harvestable size (3-6 inches). Plant is leafy and full without bolting.
Begin harvesting outer leaves from the bottom to encourage continued growth. Water consistently to prevent bolting in warm weather.
Full Harvest
2-4 weeksPlant reaches full maturity with abundant, deeply lobed serrated leaves ready for continuous picking.
Harvest regularly to prevent bolting and extend productive season. In hot weather, harvest in early morning for best flavor.
Bolting
VariablePlant produces flowering stems with yellow flowers if temperatures get too warm or days lengthen significantly.
Arugula becomes more bitter when bolting. Plant new succession crops in spring and late summer to avoid summer bolting. Flowers are edible.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants, neem oil spray, diatomaceous earth, companion planting with garlic or chives
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Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), row covers, hand-picking, spinosad spray
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Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, beneficial insects like ladybugs
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and
Beer traps, hand-picking at night, copper tape barriers, diatomaceous earth
Uses
Fresh Salads & Pesto
CulinaryYoung arugula leaves add a peppery kick to salads, while mature leaves work well in pestos, marinades, and dressings. The leaves contain glucosinolates that give arugula its distinctive sharp flavor. [source]
Cooked Greens & Pasta
CulinaryArugula can be sautéed, wilted into soups, or mixed into pasta dishes. Cooking mellows the peppery flavor and maintains the plant's nutritional value. [source]
Nutritional & Anti-inflammatory Properties
MedicinalArugula is rich in vitamins K, A, and C, and contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Traditional herbalism has used arugula for digestive health. [source]
Microgreens & Sprouts
CulinaryArugula is popular as microgreens, providing concentrated peppery flavor and nutrients in just 10-14 days from seed. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen arugula bolts and flowers, the bright yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. [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 baby leaves at 3-4 weeks, or wait 5-7 weeks for mature leaves. Pick outer leaves first to encourage continued growth from the center. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and crispness. Cut leaves just above the soil line or pinch off individual leaves. Arugula tastes milder when young; mature leaves are more peppery. Can be harvested as microgreens at 10-14 days.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated for centuries in the Mediterranean and Middle East, with references dating back to ancient Roman times.
- 🌱 The peppery flavor in arugula comes from glucosinolates, the same compounds found in other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli, which have shown promise in cancer research.
- 🌱 Arugula flowers are completely edible and have a milder, slightly sweet peppery flavor compared to the leaves—they make an attractive garnish for salads.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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