Family: Brassica

Species: Eruca sativa

Difficulty: very easy to grow

Sun: full sun/partial shade

Moisture: evenly moist

Sowing Method: direct seed

Planting: spring/summer/fall planted

Frost Tolerance: light frost tolerance

Qualities: open-pollinated, non-hybrid, salad


This mildly spicy leafy green (also called garden rocket, rocket, or rucola) is native to the Middle East where it has long been prized. A hardy annual, arugula has grown in popularity in the US in recent years. Tender, delicate greens add a peppery zing to the palate when eaten raw, dressed or cooked. Arugula is a very popular ingredient of salad mixes. It may also be lightly steamed with other greens such as mustard or turnip or used in creamed soups. Nutrients: vitamins A, C, and K, folate, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and manganese.

Growing: An annual that is easy to grow by direct seed in the full sun. Planted from early spring into the summer and again late in the season. Arugula is very fast growing, quick to bolt in warm weather and, if allowed to flower, will readily self seed. Succession plantings every 2-3 weeks are recommended for a continual harvest. Plant Seeds: 1/8" deep with 1-2" between seeds, in rows 15" apart. Soil Temp: 50-85?F. Days to Emergence: 3-7. Thin To/Mature Plant Spacing: 4" for baby greens, 12" for mature greens. Seeds/Oz: 13,000. Seed Wt./100' Row: 3g. Average Yield/100' Row: 30-40lbs. Days to Harvest: Young leaves in 20, Mature greens in 35. Seed Viability in ideal storage: 3-4 yrs. Companions: Carrots, Cress, Kale, Lettuce.