Family: Brassicaceae
Genus and Species: Eruca vesicaria, subsp. sativa
Climate
Arugula performs best under cool temperatures. Arugula will tolerate dappled sun-light though full sun is best.
Soil
Arugula will grow on a wide range of soils, but produces best in loose fertile loams. Soils should provide good water holding capacity, good internal drainage, and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Spacing
Arugula is a small leafy plant. It is often grown in a tight spacing of 1 square inch per plant. Suggested commercial row spacing of 12" - 15" apart, with arugula plants 6"-9" apart in the row. Arugula is a very easy to grow plant and spacing can be adapted to suit your needs.
Direct Seeding
Sow arugula seeds 1/8" deep in a 3" wide band with seeds approximately 1" apart. Space rows at 18" apart. Do not thin.
Seeding For Transplants
Plant arugula seed 1/8" deep in 1" cell trays or soil blocks about 3-4 weeks before last spring frost date.
Germination
These seeds germinate best in soils around 40°F - 55°F.
Germination will take 3-4 days.
Transplanting Into the Garden
Transplant arugula at 4 weeks in the spring and 3 weeks during the summer.
Watering
Arugula requires a steady supply of water for tender growth. Frequent irrigations are preferred because of shallow rooting. And while the type of soil does not affect the amount of total water needed, it does dictate how often arugula must be watered. Lighter soils need more frequent water applications, but less water applied per application.
Harvesting
Harvest is done by hand. Arugula is often pulled up roots and all. In commercial operations it is often cut, bunched and packed into cartons in the field, much like spinach.
Ideally, arugula has dark green, somewhat smooth leaves and a spicy taste. Arugula will develop a strong taste and toughness if harvest is delayed and leaves begin to develop a furry underside. Continuous cutting of the young arugula leaves stimulates further leaf production.
Post-Harvest Handling
As with all leafy items, arugula is extremely perishable. Arugula needs to be handled delicately, and marketed/eaten soon after harvest.
Storage
Cool arugula quickly after harvest. Hydro cooling or vacuum cooling is preferred. It may be held temporarily at 32-34°F and 90-95% relative humidity.
Diseases
For all practical purposes, no diseases bother arugula.
Pests
In many locations, no pests bother arugula. A reader did write us to say that flea beetles are a problem in South Western Washington.
Comments
Stagger plantings once or twice per week, planting only what can be harvested, bunched and sold or eaten during that interval. Arugula can withstand light frosts. Keep arugula beds weed free as arugula does not compete well for water.