How to Grow Arugula, Serrated Leaf
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Arugula, Serrated Leaf
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableSerrated leaf arugula is a peppery leafy green with distinctive deeply lobed, serrated foliage that adds visual interest and a sharper, more complex flavor than standard arugula. It grows quickly as a cool-season crop and is excellent for salads, sautéing, and garnishing. The plant is highly productive and can be harvested multiple times through successive plantings.
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Example Arugula, Serrated Leaf timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf
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
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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Germination & Seedling
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout in 5-10 days; cotyledons emerge followed by the first serrated true leaves
Keep soil warm (60-70°F) and moist but not soggy; thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves to prevent crowding
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops 4-8 deeply serrated, lobed leaves; stem lengthens and foliage becomes bushy and full
Water consistently; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; ensure adequate light to prevent bolting; pinch off any flower buds if extending harvest is desired
Leaf Expansion
1-2 weeksLeaves reach full size (4-6 inches long) with pronounced serrated edges; plant becomes quite bushy
Begin harvesting outer leaves to encourage continued production; maintain consistent moisture and moderate temperatures
Flowering
1-2 weeksSmall, pale yellow or white flowers appear on elongated stems; bolting occurs, especially in warm weather
Harvest heavily before flowering to get the best-flavored leaves; if flowers appear, cut them off to extend leaf production; once bolting begins, plant quality declines rapidly
Seed Production (Optional)
2-3 weeksFlowers give way to long, thin seed pods; plant becomes woody and unpalatable
Allow select plants to flower and set seed if you want to save seeds for next season; otherwise, remove plants and replant for succession harvests
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; dust with diatomaceous earth; remove weeds that harbor beetles
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Use row covers; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); handpick caterpillars; maintain good garden hygiene
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
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and
Remove debris and dense vegetation; use beer traps or copper tape barriers; handpick; apply diatomaceous earth around plants
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Use row covers; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; install yellow sticky traps; encourage beneficial insects
Uses
Fresh Salads & Peppery Greens
CulinarySerrated leaf arugula adds a distinctive peppery, slightly mustard-like flavor to salads, especially when young and tender. The attractive lobed leaves provide visual interest and work well in mixed green salads, grain bowls, and as a garnish. [source]
Cooked Greens & Pesto
CulinaryMature leaves can be sautéed with garlic and olive oil, added to pasta, or blended into creamy pestos and sauces. The peppery bite intensifies when cooked and pairs well with Italian and Mediterranean dishes. [source]
Nutritional & Anti-inflammatory Properties
MedicinalArugula is rich in vitamin K, antioxidants, and compounds believed to support bone health and reduce inflammation. Traditional herbalism has used arugula for digestive and respiratory support. [source]
Microgreens & Seed Sprouts
HouseholdArugula seeds germinate quickly and produce flavorful, nutrient-dense microgreens ready to harvest in just 2-3 weeks. These are popular for garnishing dishes and adding a peppery punch to meals. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, arugula produces small, delicate flowers that attract bees and beneficial insects. Leaving some plants to bloom supports early-season pollinator populations. [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); pinch or cut leaves from the outside inward to encourage continued production. For tender baby leaves, harvest at 2-3 weeks. Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp. Regular harvesting prevents bolting and extends the harvest season. Cut the entire plant at soil level for a final large harvest, or do multiple cuttings over 6-8 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated in the Mediterranean for centuries and was highly prized by ancient Romans, who called it 'eruca' and believed it had aphrodisiac properties.
- 🌱 The serrated leaf variety has more pronounced lobes and a slightly sharper peppery flavor compared to standard arugula due to higher concentrations of glucosinolates and mustard oils.
- 🌱 Arugula bolts extremely quickly in warm weather, so planting it in early spring or late summer/fall is key to success; a single hot spell can trigger flowering within days.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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