How to Grow Roquette
iNaturalist
Roquette
Eruca vesicaria
vegetableRoquette, also known as arugula, is a fast-growing leafy green with a distinctive peppery, slightly nutty flavor. This Mediterranean native is prized in salads and Italian cuisine for its tender, lobed leaves and edible flowers. It's one of the quickest-maturing greens, ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks.
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Example Roquette timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Roquette
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 Roquette
Around May 12≈ 25 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Roquette dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; best as a cool-season crop in spring and fall
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Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysSeeds sprout in 3-7 days. Seedlings develop true leaves with the characteristic lobed shape within 10-14 days
Keep soil warm (60-70°F) and moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Avoid overwatering to prevent damping off
Leaf Development (Vegetative)
15-25 daysPlant develops multiple lobed leaves. Leaf production accelerates as the plant establishes a root system. Young leaves are tender and ideal for harvesting
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (60-70°F). Monitor for pests weekly. Begin harvesting outer leaves at 3-4 weeks to encourage bushier growth
Maturation & Full Growth
10-20 daysPlant reaches full size with abundant foliage. Leaves are fully developed and at peak flavor and tenderness
Continue regular harvesting to delay bolting. Maintain consistent watering and soil moisture. Watch for signs of heat stress (curling, bitter taste)
Flowering & Bolting
5-14 daysPlant sends up flower stalks with small yellow, white, or purple flowers. Leaves become coarser, tougher, and more bitter as energy shifts to seed production
Harvest remaining leaves before bolting is complete if you prefer tenderness. Flowers are edible and peppery; collect them for salad garnish. Save some plants for seed if desired
Seed Production
20-30 daysFlowers develop into elongated seed pods (siliques) containing small, round seeds. Plant becomes woody and unpalatable
Allow some pods to mature fully if saving seed. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant before harvesting seeds. Store seeds in a cool, dry place
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; reflective mulches; remove debris where beetles overwinter
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Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; install row covers; encourage natural parasitoid wasps
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and beneficial insects
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and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; beer traps; copper tape barriers; diatomaceous earth around plants; remove shelter (mulch, debris)
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves
Uses
Fresh Salads & Pesto
CulinaryRoquette's peppery leaves are a classic salad ingredient, especially in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Young tender leaves are best eaten raw, while larger leaves and flowers can be used in pesto, pasta, risotto, and cooked dishes. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalRoquette contains glucosinolates and other compounds traditionally associated with digestive health and potential anti-inflammatory benefits. It has been used in herbal medicine to support digestion and as a general health tonic. [source]
Garden Pest Management
HouseholdAs a brassica family member, roquette attracts flea beetles and other pests away from more sensitive vegetables, making it useful as a trap crop or sacrificial plant in garden management. [source]
Edible Flowers & Garnish
CulinaryRoquette flowers are delicate, peppery, and fully edible. Their peppery kick makes them an excellent garnish for soups, salads, cheese boards, and gourmet dishes. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, roquette attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, making it beneficial for supporting pollinator populations in 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 3-4 weeks after planting when they are tender and 2-3 inches long (baby leaf stage). Pinch or cut leaves just above the base to encourage continued production. For full-sized plants, harvest when leaves are 6-8 inches long. Morning harvest yields the crispest, least bitter leaves. Harvest regularly to delay bolting—the more you pick, the longer the plant produces. Edible flowers appear at bolting and add peppery accent to salads. Use within a few days of harvest; store unwashed leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Roquette has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and was considered an aphrodisiac by ancient Romans, even mentioned in the first-century text by Pliny the Elder
- 🌱 The plant's peppery flavor is strongest in warm weather and becomes milder in cool conditions—harvesting during spring or fall produces the sweetest leaves
- 🌱 Roquette seeds can remain viable for 4-5 years when stored in cool, dry conditions, making it easy for home gardeners to save seed for multiple seasons
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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