Days to Maturity: 50
An organic variety, arugula, also known as rocket, roquette, or rocola, is a Mediterranean herb grown as a leafy vegetable. Once a rare delicacy, renowned for its peppery, nutty, mustard-like bite, arugula has a delectable flavor, unlike any other green, when the leaves are young and tender. Leaves are best cut at 2 to 3 inches long. Older leaves lose tenderness and can become bitter but are often used in soups and stews. The plant is considered a superfood for its nutrient rich content, having high (top 20) Aggregate Nutrient Density Index score (ANDI), or micronutrient-per-calorie density.
This herbaceous annual is a member of the cabbage and mustard family (Brassicaceae), often referred to as crucifers or brassicas. It germinates easily and grows quickly (it's called rocket for a reason), yielding thick greens within weeks of planting. Cutting stimulates new leaf growth, so a single plant keeps producing over a long season. But succession plantings every 2 to 3 weeks is recommended for continual harvest.
Arugula prefers full sun to dappled shade and rich, moist soils. It is pest and disease resistant and cold tolerant. The plant is self-pollinating and will bear fruit without any pollen from other varieties, but will also cross-pollinate, possibly with different species.
A cool-season vegetable, one of the first to be planted in the garden, arugula can be direct sown into the garden in early spring before the last frost date. Direct sowing is preferred, but it can also be started indoors and transplanted, spring and fall. It needs cold temperatures to germinate and grow.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
Companion plants: kale, lettuce, cress, carrots/p>
