Kitchen Herbs Italian Arugula
Kitchen Herbs Italian Arugula
(Eruca sativa)
The luscious tangy leaves of Italian arugula, also called rocket salad in England and roquette in France, are easy to grow, carefree and absolutely delicious in salads or sautés. The nutty zip they give to mixtures of lettuce and other greens becomes a taste you’ll crave and wouldn’t do without. Peppery arugula complements the traditional summer tastes of basil and sun-warmed tomatoes, and goes equally well with cool season salads of heartier greens, nuts and pears or apples.
ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardy
EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
In early spring, sow seeds directly into well-worked garden soil in full sun or in a sunny spot with afternoon shade. Broadcast seed 2 inches apart, cover 1/4 inch deep and firm soil over seeds. Keep seed bed evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Make new sowings every 2 weeks until early summer for a constant supply of fresh non-bitter leaves. Begin harvesting young leaves in 3 to 4 weeks.
In hot summer areas, wait to sow again in late summer for fall use, as summer heat makes leaves very pungent.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Arugula grows so quickly we recommend sowing in place rather than transplanting. Thin seedlings 2 to 3 inches apart when plants are large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Feb.– June
|
Sept. – Nov.
|
Full sun
Part-day shade |
1 – 2 inches apart
1/4 inch deep |
5 – 7 days
|
8 – 10 inches
|