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How to Grow Arugula, Serrated Leaf Slow Bolt

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Arugula, Serrated Leaf Slow Bolt

Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa

vegetable

Slow Bolt arugula is a leafy green vegetable with deeply serrated, dark green leaves and a peppery, mustard-like flavor. This variety is specifically bred to resist bolting in warm weather, extending the harvest season compared to standard arugula. It's an excellent cool-season crop that can be harvested at baby leaf stage or left to mature for larger leaves.

Looking for a specific variety?

Slow Bolt Astro Roquette Wild Arugula Dragon's Tongue Wasabi Arugula

When should you plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Slow Bolt in your zone?

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Example Arugula, Serrated Leaf Slow Bolt timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Slow Bolt

    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 Slow Bolt

    Around May 17

    ≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Arugula, Serrated Leaf Slow Bolt dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 2-3 times weekly; more frequent watering in hot weather to reduce bolting tendency
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Spacing: 6-8 inches apart for mature plants; 3-4 inches for baby leaf harvest inches
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Days to maturity: 30-50 days (baby leaf stage at 20-30 days)
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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches; seeds should be barely covered with soil

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Well-aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-10; prefers cooler seasons (spring and fall) but Slow Bolt variety tolerates summer heat better than standard arugula

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

5-7 days

Seeds sprout and develop first true leaves; seedlings are delicate with thin stems

Keep soil consistently moist; maintain 60-70°F temperature; thin seedlings to proper spacing once first true leaves appear

2

Seedling/Baby Leaf

2-3 weeks

Plant develops 2-4 true leaves with characteristic serrated edges; still tender and mild-flavored

Thin to recommended spacing; provide consistent moisture and bright light; can harvest baby leaves at this stage for microgreens or salads

3

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Leaves expand and deepen in color; plant develops more robust root system; serrated edges become more pronounced

Maintain consistent watering and temperature; fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks; monitor for pests; provide afternoon shade if temperatures exceed 75°F

4

Pre-Bolting

1-2 weeks

Plant reaches near-maturity with full-sized leaves; may begin sending up a central flower stem if temperatures warm significantly

Water deeply and frequently to discourage bolting; provide shade cloth if needed; harvest leaves promptly to prevent flowering

5

Flowering/Senescence

Variable; signals end of prime harvest

Plant sends up flower stalks with small yellow flowers; leaves become tougher and more bitter

Pinch off flower buds to extend harvest if desired; once bolting occurs significantly, plant quality declines; consider replanting for continued harvest

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lettuce Spinach Kale Radishes Carrots Beets Onions Garlic Cilantro Dill Marigolds Nasturtiums

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Kohlrabi Cabbage family plants (if space is very limited) Potatoes

Common Pests

  • Use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; dust with diatomaceous earth; encourage beneficial insects

  • Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); deploy floating row covers; encourage parasitic wasps

  • Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; spray early morning or evening

  • and

    Remove by hand (especially at night); use copper tape barriers; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles; avoid excess mulch near plants

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain good air circulation; reflective mulch may deter

Uses

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Fresh Salads & Greens

Culinary

Arugula's peppery, slightly bitter flavor adds complexity to fresh salads, mixed greens, and grain bowls. Baby leaves are milder and more tender, while mature leaves offer stronger flavor for cooking. [source]

🍳

Pesto & Prepared Dishes

Culinary

Arugula can be blended into pesto with garlic, nuts, and olive oil as an alternative to basil, or wilted into pasta, risotto, and warm grain dishes just before serving for a peppery finish. [source]

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Glucosinolates & Antioxidants

Medicinal

Arugula contains glucosinolates (sulfur compounds) and isothiocyanates known for potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, along with vitamins K, C, and folate supporting overall health. [source]

🏠

Microgreens & Sprouts

Household

Arugula seeds sprout readily and are popular as microgreens, ready to harvest in 7-10 days for a concentrated peppery flavor boost on sandwiches, soups, and prepared dishes. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

When arugula flowers, the small yellow blooms attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden ecosystem health while providing nectar and pollen sources. [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 20-30 days for tender, mild flavor; cut outer leaves first when plant is 4-6 inches tall, allowing inner leaves to continue growing; cut leaves in the morning for best flavor and texture; harvest before flowering for optimal taste; morning harvests are crispest; can continue cutting outer leaves for 4-6 weeks if conditions remain cool; Slow Bolt variety extends harvest window by resisting premature flowering compared to standard arugula

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Arugula is also known as 'rocket' in British English and many other countries, named for its fast growth and peppery 'punch'
  • 🌱 The Slow Bolt variety was specifically bred to delay flowering compared to standard arugula, allowing summer harvests in warm climates where regular arugula would bolt within days
  • 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated since Roman times and was traditionally grown for both food and medicinal purposes in Mediterranean regions

Gardening Terms

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

Bolt Full Sun Partial Shade True Leaves
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