How to Grow Arugula, Serrated Leaf Wasabi
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Arugula, Serrated Leaf Wasabi
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableA peppery leafy green with deeply serrated, lobed foliage that resembles wasabi in appearance. This fast-growing cool-season crop is prized for its intense, spicy flavor and ornamental leaf structure. It's perfect for salads, garnishes, and adds a distinctive bite to various dishes.
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Example Arugula, Serrated Leaf Wasabi timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arugula, Serrated Leaf Wasabi
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 Wasabi
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 seasons (spring and fall)
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Germination
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout and develop first true leaves. Seedlings emerge within 5-10 days in cool soil (55-65°F).
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Maintain cool temperatures for best germination. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they develop true leaves.
Seedling & Juvenile
2-3 weeksYoung plants develop 2-4 true leaves with characteristic serrated edges. Growth is rapid in cool weather.
Ensure consistent moisture and good air circulation to prevent damping off. Begin thinning to final spacing. Provide moderate light to prevent legginess.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksLeaves expand rapidly, developing the distinctive deeply lobed, serrated form. Plant builds rosette structure.
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (60-70°F). Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for pests such as flea beetles.
Harvest-Ready
Variable; harvesting extends stage by 2-4 weeksLeaves reach full size (3-6 inches) with mature peppery flavor and serrated texture. Plant is compact, not yet bolting.
Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant has 5-6 leaves. Regular harvesting encourages continued growth. Watch for signs of bolting in warm weather (flowering stalks emerging).
Bolting
1-2 weeks before plant becomes unusablePlant sends up a flowering stalk with yellow flowers. Leaves become more bitter and fibrous as energy shifts to seed production.
Once bolting begins, flavor quality declines. Remove bolting plants to make room for new plantings. In cool seasons, light harvesting can continue even as bolting occurs.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers until plants are established. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Diatomaceous earth around plant base. Plant resistant varieties when available.
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Hand-pick caterpillars. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Apply neem oil every 7-10 days. Use row covers to exclude adult butterflies.
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Remove plant debris and mulch where slugs hide. Set beer traps. Hand-pick at night. Apply diatomaceous earth around plants. Use copper barriers.
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Yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Release beneficial insects like ladybugs. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
Uses
Fresh Salads & Garnish
CulinaryThe serrated wasabi arugula variety adds a distinctive peppery kick and attractive leaf form to salads, grain bowls, and as a garnish for soups and pizzas. Young tender leaves are less bitter and ideal for delicate salads. [source]
Pesto & Sauces
CulinaryBlend arugula with garlic, olive oil, nuts, and cheese to create a vibrant pesto with a spicy finish. The distinctive serrated leaves incorporate beautifully into savory sauces and spreads. [source]
Cooked Greens
CulinarySauté arugula with garlic and olive oil as a side dish, or wilt into pasta, risotto, and grain dishes. Cooking mellows the peppery bite slightly while concentrating flavors. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalArugula is rich in glucosinolates, compounds with potential anti-cancer properties, and provides vitamins A, C, K, and folate. It supports detoxification and contains beneficial sulfur compounds similar to other cruciferous vegetables. [source]
Edible Garnish & Presentation
HouseholdThe distinctive deeply serrated leaves add visual interest to plated dishes, cheese boards, and restaurant-style presentations. Their ornamental appearance makes them ideal for edible garnish work. [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 plant has 5-6 true leaves (typically 3-4 weeks after sowing). Pinch or cut leaves from the outside in, leaving the center rosette intact for continued growth. Morning harvest yields the mildest flavor. For baby greens (microgreens), harvest at 2-3 weeks when leaves are tender. Regular harvesting encourages new leaf production and delays bolting. Most productive in cool weather (55-70°F). Stop harvesting once plant bolts to maintain quality.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Serrated Leaf Wasabi arugula gets its name from the wasabi-like peppery heat it delivers, though it's an entirely different plant (true wasabi is Wasabia japonica). The serrated leaf pattern mimics wasabi's deeply divided foliage.
- 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated since ancient Roman times and was believed by Romans to enhance virility; it was sometimes called the 'aphrodisiac herb.'
- 🌱 The peppery flavor in arugula comes from glucosinolates and mustard oil compounds that are released when the leaves are chewed or cut, similar to the heat in radishes and mustard seeds.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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