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Arugula Astro

Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa

vegetable

Arugula Astro is a fast-growing leafy green with a peppery, nutty flavor and deeply lobed leaves. This cultivar is known for its rapid maturity and bolt resistance, making it ideal for succession planting and warm-season growing. It's a cool-season crop that can also tolerate some heat, offering extended harvest windows.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily (more shade in hot climates)
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 2-3 times weekly, more frequently in hot weather. Drought stress increases peppery flavor and bolting risk.
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Spacing: 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart inches
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Days to maturity: 30-45 days
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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost aged manure peat moss or coconut coir

Growing Zones

Find your zone โ†’

Thrives in zones 3-9; best in spring and fall; can be grown year-round in mild climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

1-2 weeks

Seeds sprout within 5-10 days; seedlings emerge with two oval cotyledons followed by first true leaves

Keep soil moist but not soggy; provide consistent warmth (60-70ยฐF). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once first true leaves appear.

2

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Plant develops 4-6 true leaves; rosette begins to form with characteristic deeply lobed, dark green foliage

Monitor for flea beetles (common pest); ensure adequate moisture and nitrogen. Pinch off flower buds if they appear early to extend leaf harvest.

3

Mature Rosette

1-2 weeks

Full rosette with 8-12 deeply lobed leaves, dark green color, and peppery aroma; plant reaches 6-10 inches tall

Begin harvesting outer leaves; provide consistent water and cooler temperatures if possible. Astro variety resists early bolting better than standard arugula.

4

Flowering & Decline

Variable; can extend 2-4 weeks in cool weather

Plant sends up tall flower stalks with small white or pale yellow flowers; leaves become coarser and more bitter

Once bolting begins, harvest quality declines. Allow some plants to flower for seed production if desired; collect seeds once pods dry.

5

Harvest & End of Season

Ongoing until bolting

Leaves are mature and ready for harvest; plant may be replanted for successive crops

Complete final harvests before heat becomes excessive. Remove plant residues to prevent disease carryover. Prepare bed for next planting cycle.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden โ†’

Plant with:

tomato carrot radish beet cabbage lettuce spinach marigold nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

fennel mustard broccoli (in large quantities)

Common Pests

  • Use row covers over young plants; neem oil spray; diatomaceous earth; encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps

  • Spray with strong water jet; insecticidal soap; neem oil; introduce ladybugs or lacewings

  • Row covers; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); hand-pick; encourage birds

  • and

    Remove hiding places; copper barriers; beer traps; hand-pick at night; encourage ground beetles

Uses

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Salad greens & fresh consumption

Culinary

Young arugula leaves add a distinctive peppery, slightly nutty flavor to fresh salads, sandwiches, and grain bowls. More mature leaves can be cooked like spinach in pasta, risotto, or soup. [source]

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Pesto & cooking preparations

Culinary

Arugula makes an excellent pesto base when blended with garlic, olive oil, nuts, and cheese. It can also be wilted into warm dishes or used as a garnish on pizza and pasta. [source]

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Nutritional & detoxification support

Medicinal

Rich in glucosinolates and sulfur compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Contains vitamins K, C, and folate; studies suggest potential cancer-fighting compounds. [source]

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Culinary herb & flavoring

Household

Fresh or dried arugula leaves add distinctive flavor to sauces, oils, and vinegars. Can be frozen or dried for year-round use. [source]

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Pollinator food source

Wildlife

When allowed to flower, arugula produces abundant small flowers that attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden ecosystem health. [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 reaches 4-6 inches tall (typically 25-30 days after planting). Pinch or cut leaves from the outside in, allowing the center to continue growing. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and crispness. Mature plants can provide 2-3 harvests before bolting. For whole plant harvest, cut at soil level just before bolting occurs. The Astro variety maintains tenderness and mild peppery flavor longer than standard cultivars.

Fun Facts

  • ๐ŸŒฑ Arugula has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and was documented by ancient Romans, who believed it had aphrodisiac properties.
  • ๐ŸŒฑ The Astro variety is specifically bred for bolt resistance and rapid maturity, making it ideal for summer growing when standard arugula would quickly bolt to seed.
  • ๐ŸŒฑ The peppery flavor of arugula comes from glucosinolates and isothiocyanatesโ€”the same compounds found in cabbage and mustard that are being studied for potential health benefits.

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