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How to Grow Arugula (Serrated Leaf, Roquette Cultivée, Runway)

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Arugula (Serrated Leaf, Roquette Cultivée, Runway)

Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa

vegetable

Arugula is a fast-growing leafy green with a distinctive peppery, slightly spicy flavor that intensifies with age and warm temperatures. The serrated leaf varieties like Runway feature deeply cut, frilly foliage that adds visual interest to salads and cooked dishes. This cool-season crop thrives in spring and fall, offering harvests in as little as 3-4 weeks.

Looking for a specific variety?

Runway Roquette Cultivée Astro Arugula Sylvetta Peppery Apollo

When should you plant Arugula (Serrated Leaf, Roquette Cultivée, Runway) in your zone?

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Example Arugula (Serrated Leaf, Roquette Cultivée, Runway) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Arugula (Serrated Leaf, Roquette Cultivée, Runway)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Arugula (Serrated Leaf, Roquette Cultivée, Runway)

    Around May 17

    ≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Arugula (Serrated Leaf, Roquette Cultivée, Runway) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun (6+ hours) in spring/fall; partial shade (4-6 hours) in summer heat
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly. Increase frequency during hot spells. Drought stress accelerates bolting and increases peppery heat.
📏
Spacing: 4-6 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 30-50
🌱
Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost aged manure peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

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Best in zones 3-9; grows year-round in mild climates (zones 9-10)

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Emergence

1-2 weeks

Seeds sprout within 3-7 days. First true leaves appear delicate and smooth, emerging from cotyledons.

Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain soil temperature 50-70°F for optimal germination. Ensure adequate light to prevent leggy seedlings.

2

Seedling & Early Growth

2-3 weeks

True leaves develop characteristic deeply serrated edges. Plant forms a low rosette with 4-6 leaves visible.

Thin seedlings to proper spacing (4-6 inches). Water gently at soil level. Begin regular watering schedule. Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

3

Vegetative & Leaf Development

2-3 weeks

Leaves rapidly expand with full serrated edges. Plant develops into dense rosette with 10-15+ leaves ready for harvest.

Maintain consistent moisture. Remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves. Monitor for pests (flea beetles). Avoid high nitrogen to prevent excessive bolting tendency.

4

Harvestable & Mature

2-4 weeks (or until bolting)

Leaves reach full size and flavor intensity. Plant is at peak quality for harvesting. Flavor becomes more peppery in warm conditions.

Begin harvesting outer leaves once they reach 2-3 inches. Harvest frequently to encourage new growth and delay bolting. Cool morning temperatures preserve mild flavor.

5

Bolting & Flowering

1-2 weeks to full flower

Central stem elongates and sends up flower clusters with small pale yellow or cream flowers. Leaves become increasingly bitter and tough.

Once bolting begins, harvest flavor declines rapidly. Allow some plants to bolt for seed production if desired. Remove bolted plants to make room for successive plantings.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lettuce spinach radish carrot beet tomato cucumber beans chamomile borage

Avoid planting near:

Cabbage family (brassicas) fennel

Common Pests

  • Use row covers during early growth. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Plant resistant varieties. Remove cruciferous weeds nearby.

  • Strong water spray to dislodge. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Remove heavily infested leaves.

  • Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Row covers for prevention. Remove affected leaves. Hand-pick visible caterpillars.

  • and

    Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Beer traps or copper tape barriers. Remove debris and hiding spots. Apply diatomaceous earth around plants.

Uses

🍳

Fresh Salads & Peppery Greens

Culinary

Arugula's peppery, slightly spicy flavor makes it a gourmet salad green and additions to sandwiches, wraps, and composed dishes. The serrated leaf varieties add visual appeal and tender, crisp texture when harvested young. [source]

🍳

Cooked Greens & Pasta Dishes

Culinary

Lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil, arugula becomes mild and tender, perfect for pasta, risotto, soups, and Italian dishes. Also used in pesto preparations as an alternative to basil. [source]

💊

Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Properties

Medicinal

Arugula is rich in glucosinolates and isothiocyanates with potential anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive properties. Contains vitamins K, A, and C that support bone health and immunity. [source]

🏠

Digestive & Nutritional Support

Household

As a low-calorie, nutrient-dense green, arugula supports digestive health and provides bioavailable minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Its sulfur compounds promote detoxification. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

Allowing some arugula plants to bolt and flower provides early-season nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, especially valuable in spring gardens. [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 once they reach 2-3 inches long (about 30-40 days from planting). Cut leaves at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the central growing point intact for continued harvesting. Harvest in cool morning hours for best flavor and texture. Successive plantings every 2-3 weeks ensure continuous supply. Serrated leaf varieties like Runway maintain quality for 2-4 weeks before bolting. Cut entire plant at soil level if preferring baby leaf salad mix (20-25 days). Once temperatures exceed 75°F consistently, bolting accelerates rapidly.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated since Roman times and was mentioned by the Roman poet Martial as a stimulant with aphrodisiac properties.
  • 🌱 The peppery heat in arugula comes from glucosinolates, the same compounds that give wasabi and horseradish their burn, and these compounds increase as the plant matures and temperatures rise.
  • 🌱 Serrated leaf varieties like Runway are particularly popular in European gourmet markets and are prized by chefs for their delicate, frilly appearance and slightly milder flavor compared to broader-leaved types.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Bolt Full Sun Germination Partial Shade True Leaves
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