How to Grow Roquette Cultivée
Wikimedia Commons
Roquette Cultivée
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableRoquette Cultivée, commonly known as cultivated arugula or salad rocket, is a leafy green vegetable with peppery, slightly nutty leaves prized for fresh salads and cooking. This annual plant is a member of the Brassicaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region. It grows quickly and is one of the easiest greens to cultivate, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Roquette Cultivée 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 Roquette Cultivée timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Roquette Cultivée
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Roquette Cultivée
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Roquette Cultivée dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers cooler seasons in warm climates
Sign up free to see if Roquette Cultivée grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Roquette Cultivée timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysSeeds sprout within 5-10 days; seedlings develop first true leaves and a simple taproot system
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light; thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear
Vegetative Growth
14-21 daysPlant develops multiple lobed leaves in a rosette pattern; leaves are tender and bright green with a peppery flavor
Water regularly; maintain consistent moisture; remove any flowering stems if you want to extend the leafy harvest period
Baby Leaf & Tender Harvest
5-7 daysLeaves reach 3-6 inches in length with optimal tenderness and flavor; this is the prime harvest window
Begin harvesting outer leaves from the bottom; this encourages continued growth; pinch off any flower buds to prolong leaf production
Bolting & Flowering
7-14 daysPlant sends up a central flower stem with small white to pale yellow flowers; leaves become tougher and more bitter
This stage indicates the plant is nearing end of life; harvest remaining leaves quickly or allow flowers to mature for seed collection
Seed Production & Maturity
14-21 daysFlowers develop into elongated seed pods (siliques) containing small brown seeds; plant can be left to self-seed
Allow pods to dry on the plant if collecting seeds; save seeds in cool, dry storage for next season
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers on young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; dust diatomaceous earth on leaves
-
Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
-
and
Hand-pick at dawn or dusk; apply copper tape barriers; use slug traps with beer or yeast; encourage ground beetles
-
Use floating row covers; spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); hand-pick caterpillars
-
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves; apply sulfur dust if needed
Uses
Fresh Salads & Peppery Greens
CulinaryRoquette Cultivée is most celebrated as a fresh salad green, offering a distinctive peppery and slightly spicy flavor that enhances mixed green salads, grain bowls, and pasta dishes. The tender leaves pair beautifully with citrus vinaigrettes, balsamic reductions, and parmesan cheese. [source]
Cooked Greens & Pesto
CulinaryMature leaves can be wilted into pasta dishes, soups, and stir-fries, while fresh leaves are ideal for making vibrant arugula pesto as an alternative to basil pesto. The peppery notes intensify when the greens are cooked. [source]
Antioxidants & Glucosinolates
MedicinalRoquette is rich in glucosinolates, compounds that have been studied for potential cancer-prevention properties, and contains high levels of vitamins K, C, and antioxidants supporting overall health. Regular consumption may support bone health and immune function. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support
HouseholdTraditionally used in Mediterranean cuisine for digestive support, arugula contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may aid digestion and support gut health when consumed regularly. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, Roquette Cultivée produces delicate white to pale yellow blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable for supporting local 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 when plants reach 4-6 inches in height, typically 20-30 days after sowing. Pinch or cut leaves from the bottom of the plant, leaving the center rosette intact to encourage continued growth. For a continuous harvest, pick leaves regularly before the plant bolts. Baby arugula can be harvested at 15-20 days as a tender green. Once flowering begins, leaves become bitter and tougher; at this point, harvest all remaining leaves or allow the plant to go to seed. Morning harvesting yields the crispest leaves.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Roquette has been cultivated in the Mediterranean for over 2,000 years and was believed by ancient Romans to have aphrodisiac properties, earning it the nickname 'love plant.'
- 🌱 The peppery flavor in arugula comes from glucosinolates and isothiocyanates—the same compounds found in mustard, horseradish, and wasabi—which intensify when the leaves are chewed or bruised.
- 🌱 Roquette Cultivée is one of the fastest-growing leafy greens in the garden, making it perfect for succession planting every 2-3 weeks for a continuous spring, fall, and winter harvest.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Roquette Cultivée planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Roquette Cultivée 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 Roquette Cultivée timeline →