🥦 Arugula
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetables
leafy green (brassicaceae)
☀️ Sun
Full sun in cool weather; partial shade (4, 6 hours) in warm weather to delay bolting; afternoon shade extends harvest
💧 Water
Medium; 1 inch per week; consistent moisture produces tender, less-peppery leaves; drought stress makes leaves hotter/more pungent and causes bolting
🗺️ Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
🧪 Soil pH
6.0, 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
🪴 Soil Type
Rich, well-drained loam with moderate organic matter; arugula grows well in average garden soil , too much nitrogen produces overly pungent leaves
🚿 Drainage
Well-drained; does not tolerate soggy soil , causes root rot and weak plants
📏 Spacing
Seeds 1 inch apart, thin to 4, 6 inches; rows 12 inches apart; broadcast sow for baby-leaf production (cut at 3, 4 inches)
⏱️ Maturity
21-40 days (from seed) for baby leaves; 35-50 days for full size
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ Leaves (raw or cooked)
🍽️ Flowers (edible , white with purple veins, mild peppery flavor)
🍽️ Seeds (pressed for oil , taramira oil in India)
🍽️ Seed pods (young pods edible)
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (8)
Beans fix nitrogen to support arugula's leaf production; beans provide light partial shade delaying bolting in warm weather
Different root depths , arugula is shallow, carrots are deep; arugula germinates quickly, marking rows for slow carrots
Attracts beneficial wasps that prey on caterpillars; dill's aromatic compounds may deter flea beetles
Similar growing conditions; arugula's strong scent may confuse lettuce pests; both cool-season crops
Trap crop for flea beetles (the main arugula pest); nasturtiums draw flea beetles away from arugula IMPORTANT management caveat: without active management, nasturtiums can become a SOURCE of aphids that migrate to nearby crops. Either remove aphid-infested nasturtium plants promptly, or treat the trap crop itself to eliminate the aphid colony before it spreads. Strategic placement within 4-5 feet of protected crops is key.
Quick intercrop between pepper plants
Both are fast-growing brassicaceae; radishes mark rows and break soil crust; harvested before arugula needs full space
Cool-season green beneath warm-season tomato; repels some pests
⚠️ Keep Apart (3)
Allelopathic , inhibits most garden plants including arugula
⚠️ Nightshades (tomato/eggplant/pepper)
Some sources report brassicas may stunt nightshade growth through root exudates; separate if possible
Strawberries and arugula compete for space; strawberries may inhibit arugula growth through root competition
💊 Medicinal Uses
Medicinal Properties
- Contains glucosinolates (erucin) , being studied for anti-cancer properties, particularly against colon and lung cancers
- High in vitamin K (bone health) and vitamin C
- Good source of folate, calcium, and potassium
- Traditionally used as a digestive aid and 'salad green' stimulant in Roman times
- Contains nitrates beneficial for cardiovascular health and exercise performance
📝 Growing Notes
Arugula (also called rocket/roquette/rucola) is one of the fastest crops , harvest in 21, 40 days. Two main types: standard garden arugula (lobed leaves, peppery) and wild arugula (Diplotaxis tenuifolia , narrower leaves, more pungent, perennial in warm zones). Succession plant every 2, 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Bolts rapidly in heat above 75°F , grow as spring/fall crop. Flowers are edible and attract pollinators. Flea beetles are the #1 pest , floating row covers prevent them. Self-seeds readily if allowed to flower.
🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Botanical Interests
True Leaf Market
Burpee
Territorial Seed Company
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