How to Grow Arugula, Serrated Leaf Savonarola
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Arugula, Serrated Leaf Savonarola
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableSavonarola is a premium Italian heirloom arugula variety prized for its deeply serrated, feathery leaves and complex, peppery flavor profile that develops as the plant matures. Unlike standard arugula, this variety offers tender yet texturally interesting foliage with a sophisticated taste appreciated by chefs and home gardeners alike. It grows as a cool-season leafy green that bolts quickly in heat but rewards patient growers with exceptional culinary results.
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Example Arugula, Serrated Leaf Savonarola timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Savonarola
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 Savonarola
Around May 12≈ 25 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, with winter cultivation possible in zones 8-10
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Germination & Seedling
7-10 daysSeeds sprout within 3-7 days at 60-70°F; cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves with slight serration visible
Keep soil evenly moist; provide bright light once sprouted. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early to prevent crowding and disease.
Vegetative & Leaf Development
10-15 daysPlant develops 4-6 true leaves with increasingly pronounced serration and feathery edges; foliage becomes denser and more textured
Continue consistent moisture; avoid overwatering to reduce fungal issues. Provide morning watering to allow foliage to dry. Begin harvesting outer leaves if desired for baby greens.
Maturation & Full Growth
10-15 daysPlant reaches full rosette with deep green, highly serrated leaves, typically 6-8 inches tall; peppery flavor at its peak
Maintain consistent watering; reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive leaf production at expense of flavor. Harvest regularly to extend vegetative phase and delay bolting.
Bolting & Flowering
Variable; faster in warm weatherPlant sends up flower stalk with small white or pale yellow flowers with purple veins; leaves become tougher and more intensely peppery
Once bolting begins, harvest quality declines; plant can be allowed to flower for seed production or removed if no seeds needed. In cool weather, bolting may not occur for several weeks.
Seed Production & End of Season
30-40 days after flowering beginsFlowers develop into elongated seed pods (siliques); plant dedicates energy to reproduction; foliage becomes fibrous
Allow pods to dry on plant if saving seeds. Cut entire plant once pods are brown and dry, hang upside down in paper bag to collect seeds.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers over young plants; spray neem oil or spinosad; encourage native predators; ensure adequate water to reduce plant stress
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Row covers for young plants; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; handpick caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps
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and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; beer traps; copper barriers; encourage ground beetles and hedgehogs; diatomaceous earth
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Yellow sticky traps; spray insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulches; ensure good air circulation
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves; apply sulfur or copper fungicide; plant in well-draining soil
Uses
Gourmet Salads & Raw Dishes
CulinarySavonarola's distinctive deeply serrated leaves and complex peppery flavor make it a premium choice for artisanal salads, peppery green mixes, and sophisticated raw vegetable preparations. Its textural interest elevates visual presentation while its flavor pairs beautifully with citrus vinaigrettes, aged balsamic, and creamy cheeses. [source]
Pesto & Sauce Base
CulinaryThe intense, complex peppery flavor of mature Savonarola leaves creates exceptional pesto and sauce bases that rival basil-based versions. Blended with garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil, it produces a sophisticated green sauce for pasta, crostini, and grilled vegetables. [source]
Pasta & Cooked Preparations
CulinaryUnlike delicate salad arugulas, Savonarola's more robust texture holds up well to light cooking in pasta dishes, wilting into warm oil with garlic, or briefly sautéing with white beans and lemon. The flavor becomes slightly more muted and refined with gentle heat. [source]
Respiratory & Digestive Support
MedicinalArugula contains glucosinolates and sulfur compounds traditionally valued in herbalism for supporting respiratory health and digestive function. Its peppery compounds may stimulate digestive secretions and provide gentle antimicrobial properties. [source]
Companion Planting Pest Management
HouseholdArugula is a valued companion plant that helps repel certain brassica pests through its strong odor and volatile compounds. Planting it among other vegetables can provide natural pest deterrent benefits for the wider garden ecosystem. [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 for tender baby greens (25-30 days); for full-sized mature leaves, harvest when plant reaches 6-8 inches (35-40 days). Cut outer leaves with scissors or knife, leaving central growing point intact for continued harvest. Harvest in early morning for best flavor and crispness. For maximum peppery flavor, allow plant to mature fully but harvest before bolting. Serrated Savonarola is excellent for cut-and-come-again harvesting; a single planting can provide 3-4 successive harvests over 4-6 weeks in cool weather.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Savonarola is an Italian heirloom variety named after the Renaissance monk Girolamo Savonarola, reflecting its Old World pedigree and cultural significance in Italian cuisine.
- 🌱 Arugula's distinctive peppery flavor comes from glucosinolates and isothiocyanates—the same compounds that make wasabi and horseradish pungent—which are activated when plant cells are broken or chewed.
- 🌱 Unlike many modern commercial arugulas that bolt within 2-3 weeks, carefully selected cool-season varieties like Savonarola can produce for 6-8 weeks if harvested regularly and grown in optimal temperatures (60-70°F).
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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