How to Grow Arugula or Roquette
Arugula, also called Roquette, is a leafy vegetable, like lettuce and spinach.
Native to the Mediterranean and Asia, Roquette is a member of the mustard
family. Like other leaf crops, growing Arugula in cool weather is best.
The Name Game: Arugula, or Roquette, is known by several other
names, including Rocket, Garden Rocket, Rucola, Rugola, and Rocket Salad.
Roquette is a leafy vegetable with a peppery, spicy taste. It is most
commonly used for salad greens, or cooked like spinach. It is also used it
in soups, pastas and pestos.
Sowing Roquette or Arugula Seeds:
Arugula or Roquette is grown from seed. Directly sow Roquette seeds
your vegetable garden early in the season. Cover seeds lightly with 1/8"
or less of fine garden or seed starting soil. Seeds will sprout in 3-10 days.
Seeds sprout in cool soil at 40 to 55 degrees.
After seedlings have sprouted, thin to two inches apart in rows 12" - 18"
apart.
How to Grow Arugula or Roquette:
Arugula or Roquette is easy to grow. It likes full sun, but will tolerate
partial shade.
For best results, grow Arugula or Roquette, quickly during cool weather,
in moist, fertile soil. It gets the name "Rocket" for its speedy growth under
these conditions.
The soil should be rich, and drain well. Mix compost into the soil, prior
to planting. Add fertilizer when planting.
Weed around plants frequently.
Plants thrive in cool wether. Plant crops for spring and fall. For a continuous
harvest during this period, plant succession crops.
Arugula will withstand light frosts.
Harvesting:
Roquette is ready to harvest in 40 days. Pick young, tender leaves. Larger
leaves get tough and bitter tasting. Leaves can also taste bitter in warmer
weather. Eat fresh or cooked like spinach.
Insect and Disease:
Insect and disease problems are uncommon with this plant.
More Information:
Buy Arugula or Roquette Seeds
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