How to Grow Arugula Lettuce Plants

About Growing Arugula Lettuce Greens

Arugula lettuce is a leafy green vegetable. And, it is a fast-growing plant. This cool-weather crop is a member of the mustard family and is grown like mustard or lettuce. If you are looking for healthy food for you and your family, then this is the perfect vegetable for you. Arugula is native to Asia and the Mediterranean. Knowing how to grow arugula is no secret. Certainly, if you can grow other greens, you can grow arugula.

The robust, peppery flavor of Arugula adds zest to salads. It can be sautéed or cooked like spinach. It is also good in soups, pasta, and pesto, too.

Other Names: Arugula, is also known as Roquette, Rocket, Garden Rocket, Rucola, Rugola, and Rocket Salad.

Arugula Greens Plant Specifications

Day to Harvest: 40

Plant height: The largest varieties grow two to three feet tall.

Light Needs: Full sunlight to partial sun.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0

Plant Hardiness Zones: 2 – 11

Deer Resistant? Yes. Deer do not like the strong scent of this plant.

Number of Species: Several

Plant Type: Most varieties are annual. There are a couple of perennial Arugula varieties.

Native To: Asia and the Mediterranean region.

Botanical Name: Eruca sativa, Eruca versicaria

Nutrition Facts

If you are looking for a healthy food, choose Arugula greens. They are both healthy and nutritious.

1/2 cup contains approximately:

1 calorie
0.4 g carbs
0 cholesterol
0.1 g fat
0.1 fiber
0.3 g protein

Light Requirements

Arugula is a cool-weather plant. The plant grows best in full sun. During mid-summer heat and humidity, grow them in partial shade. In hotter regions of the country, grow the plants in light sun to partial shade.

Planting Arugula Lettuce Seeds

Arugula lettuce is grown from seed. Directly sow seeds in your vegetable garden early in the season. Then, 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. Also, you can broadcast the seeds and grow the plants in an area rather than a row. However, you still need to thin the plants, for maximum growth.

Succession planting will result in continuous greens. Sow small rows of seeds every two weeks.

How to Grow Arugula Lettuce

Arugula plants are easy to grow. Grow in full sun to partial shade.

For best results, grow Arugula lettuce 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, before planting. Add fertilizer when planting.

Weed around plants frequently.

Plants thrive in cool weather. Plant crops for spring and fall. For a continuous harvest during this period, plant succession crops.

Also, see:

Plant Problems

Soil Temperatures – Ideal germination temperature by vegetable

Ideal Soil pH – by vegetable

How to Grow Arugula Lettuce - Insects and Plant Disease

Insect and disease problems are uncommon with this plant.

Insecticides and pesticides are not recommended for this plant.

Harvesting Arugula Lettuce

Days to Maturity: Arugula lettuce is ready to harvest in just 40 days. However, you can begin to pick leaves as soon as they are big enough to use in your salad or recipe.

For maximum taste, pick when leaves are 6″ in height.

Eat fresh or cooked like spinach.

Garden Tip: Try Arugula sprouts.

Plant Hardiness

Most Arugula Lettuce plants are annuals. As a result, a hard frost or freeze will kill the plant. However, Arugula lettuce will withstand light frosts.