How to Grow Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket)
Wikimedia Commons
Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket)
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableArugula is a fast-growing leafy green with deeply serrated, lobed leaves and a peppery, nutty flavor. Native to the Mediterranean region, it's prized for salads, cooking, and its bold taste that adds complexity to dishes. The serrated leaf variety offers ornamental appeal alongside culinary value.
When should you plant Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket) in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket)
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket) dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with cool-season preference; can be grown year-round in mild climates
Sign up free to see if Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket) grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket) timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout within 3-7 days. First true leaves emerge with characteristic serrated shape
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 1-2 inches tall
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple lobed, serrated leaves forming rosette clusters; dark green color intensifies
Maintain regular watering and cool soil temperatures (60-70°F ideal). Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool
Pre-Harvest Maturity
1-2 weeksPlant reaches full leaf size (6-8 inches tall), with abundant deeply-lobed serrated foliage ready for harvest
Begin harvesting outer leaves while plant continues growing. This encourages bushier growth and longer productivity
Bolting (Late Season)
1+ weekPlant sends up flowering stalks with small white or yellow flowers; leaves become more bitter
Harvest remaining leaves before bolting accelerates. Plant can be allowed to bolt for seed production or removed
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers on young plants, neem oil spray, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth. Remove affected leaves
-
Spray with strong water stream, use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
-
and
Hand-pick early morning or evening, use slug barriers, beer traps, or food-grade diatomaceous earth
-
Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), hand-pick caterpillars, or apply neem oil
-
Yellow sticky traps, neem oil spray, insecticidal soap, or reflective mulches
Uses
Salads & Fresh Eating
CulinaryYoung arugula leaves provide a peppery, pungent flavor perfect for mixed salads, grain bowls, and fresh dishes. The serrated leaves add visual interest and texture to plates. [source]
Cooking & Pesto
CulinaryMature leaves can be sautéed, wilted into pasta dishes, or blended into vibrant pesto sauces. Heat mellows the peppery bite slightly while maintaining complexity. [source]
Nutritional & Antioxidant Benefits
MedicinalRich in glucosinolates, vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Traditionally used to support digestion and overall wellness. [source]
Microgreens & Sprouts
HouseholdArugula seeds are popular for fast-growing microgreens, ready to harvest in 7-14 days for concentrated flavor and nutrition in small spaces. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, arugula produces attractive white or yellow blooms that attract bees and beneficial insects to the garden. [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 after planting. Pinch or cut leaves 1 inch above soil line to encourage bushier regrowth. Morning harvest provides crispest, most flavorful leaves. Young, tender leaves (baby arugula) are milder; mature leaves have stronger peppery flavor. Harvest regularly to delay bolting in warm weather
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated since Roman times and was used as an aphrodisiac in ancient Mediterranean cultures
- 🌱 The 'heat' and peppery flavor in arugula comes from glucosinolates, the same compounds found in other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage
- 🌱 Serrated-leaf arugula varieties are often marketed as 'wild rocket' and are considered more flavorful and ornamental than smooth-leaf cultivars
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket) planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket) seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Arugula (Serrated Leaf Wild Rocket) timeline →