How to Grow Arugula | Complete Guide to Planting, Care & Harvesting

Mature arugula plant with peppery green leaves — Mature arugula plants ready for harvesting

Where Should You Plant Arugula?

Best location: Full sun to part-sun; arugula grows best with at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH (6–7); tolerates various soil types but prefers nutrient-rich loam.
Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; shallow root system requires regular watering to prevent bolting.
Avoid: Areas where other Brassicaceae family members grew recently; pests and diseases may linger in the soil.

When Should You Plant Arugula?

Growing season: Arugula is a cool-season crop; plant in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in late summer into fall.
Timing: Ready to harvest in approximately 40 days, allowing for two growing seasons per year.
Succession planting: For continuous harvest, sow seeds every two to three weeks until summer heat or fall frost arrives.
Temperature tolerance: Tolerates frost and light freezes; does not grow well in high heat of midsummer.

How Do You Plant Arugula?

Depth: Sow seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep; germination occurs within one week even at soil temperatures as low as 40°F.
Spacing: Plant seeds about 1 inch apart in rows spaced 1 foot apart; thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once emerged.
Nursery plants: Position at the same depth as in their previous container; no staking support needed.
Direct sowing: Can be direct-seeded about 1–2 weeks before the final spring frost.

Young arugula seedlings sprouting from soil — Arugula seedlings ready for thinning

Which Plants Grow Well With Arugula?

Companions: Container growth is also an option; pairs well in mixed salad gardens with other cool-season greens.
Pollination: Arugula is a self-pollinator and can cross-pollinate via insects and wind.
Garden placement: Works well in herb and vegetable gardens with other members of the Brassicaceae family, though avoid replanting in the same location year after year.

How Do You Water and Feed Arugula?

Watering: Regular watering is essential for healthy growth and optimal flavor; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. In dry climates, watering daily may be necessary.
Feeding: Plant in nitrogen-rich soil; no additional feeding required if compost is mixed in prior to planting. Pale leaves indicate a lack of nourishment.

How Do You Care for Arugula?

Light management: Provide afternoon shade as temperatures rise to prevent wilting and bolting; this extends harvest season.
Pruning: No pruning beyond regular harvesting is necessary; remove any broken or diseased leaves promptly.
Temperature: Ideal range is 45–65°F; use row covers to protect from freezes and shade cloth to protect from excessive heat.
Humidity: No high humidity required; arugula grows well in arid climates with adequate water.

Can You Grow Arugula in Containers?

Container size: Minimum 6 inches deep with wider diameter; shallow root system does not require deep containers.
Advantages: Convenient for keeping plants near the kitchen and for easy harvesting; allows for moving plants out of direct sun during heat of day to extend growing season.
Drainage: Ensure container has drainage holes; unglazed clay is ideal for moisture management; self-watering containers simplify care.
Soil: Use quality all-purpose, well-draining organic potting mix.

What Pests or Diseases Affect Arugula?

Diseases: Bacterial leaf spot and powdery mildew may occur; diseases are not common but possible.
Pests: Slugs, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, aphids, and diamondback moths favor arugula. Short early growing season means fewer spring pest infestations.
Management: Monitor for insect eggs and remove by hand; spray aphids off with water; use beer traps or diatomaceous earth for slugs.

How Do You Harvest Arugula?

Timing: Ready to harvest in 4–7 weeks; best harvested when leaves reach approximately 3 inches long.
Leaf quality: Young leaves are tender and sweet; older leaves become tough and bitter.
Harvesting method: Cut or tear outer leaves toward the base, leaving the crown intact to encourage continued growth. Alternatively, cut all leaves just above soil; plant may regrow if weather remains mild.
Bolting: If plant bolts, eat the flowers but not the leaves; blooms are edible with a peppery bite and can be added to salads or sandwiches.
Storage: Use fresh leaves as soon as possible; refrigerate for up to one week.

Harvested arugula leaves ready for eating — Harvested arugula at peak flavor and tenderness

How Do You Propagate Arugula?

Seed saving: Allow plants to flower and wait for seed heads to turn brown and become brittle.
Seed collection: Cut seed heads, place in a paper bag in a cool dry spot to finish drying; rub pods between hands to release seeds.
Seed storage: Store in a paper envelope or jar; seeds remain viable for up to six years.
Isolation distance: Separate different varieties by at least 800 feet to avoid cross-pollination if saving seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Arugula

How long does it take to grow arugula from seed?

Arugula is one of the fastest-growing vegetables you can plant. Most varieties are ready to harvest in just 40 days, with some varieties like 'Astro II' maturing in as little as 7 weeks. Seeds germinate within one week under proper conditions.

What's the best temperature for growing arugula?

Arugula thrives in cool temperatures between 45–65°F. It tolerates frost and light freezes, making it ideal for spring and fall growing. It does not perform well in the high heat of summer, so plan your planting accordingly for the best results.

Can you grow arugula indoors?

Yes, arugula can be grown indoors with adequate light. You can use grow lights to supplement natural sunlight. Container-grown arugula is ideal for indoor growing, allowing you to keep fresh leaves available year-round near your kitchen.

Why is my arugula bolting so quickly?

Arugula bolts (flowers and goes to seed) when temperatures rise or when plants experience stress from inconsistent watering or dry soil. To prevent bolting, maintain consistent soil moisture, provide afternoon shade in warm weather, and harvest regularly to encourage continued leaf production.

How often should I water arugula?

Arugula requires consistent, regular watering to prevent bolting and maintain flavor. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. In dry climates, this may mean watering daily. Check the top inch of soil and water when it feels dry.

What are some good arugula varieties to grow?

Popular arugula varieties include 'Astro II' for mild flavor and quick maturity, 'Apollo' for mild taste and heat tolerance, 'Olive Leaf' for spicy flavor and Italian heritage, 'Red Dragon' for striking purple-veined leaves, and 'Sylvetta' for its slow-bolting characteristics.

Can you regrow arugula after cutting all the leaves?

Yes, arugula can regrow after cutting all leaves just above the soil line, but only if the weather remains mild. For longer production, it's better to harvest just the outer leaves, leaving the crown intact so the plant continues producing new leaves.

What's the difference between arugula and spinach?

While often used interchangeably in salads, arugula and spinach are quite different. Arugula has a peppery, tart flavor and deeply lobed leaves, while spinach has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with fuller, smoother leaves. They have different growing requirements and uses in cooking.

Is arugula safe to eat if it flowers?

The flowers of arugula are edible and have a peppery bite that works well in salads or on sandwiches. However, once the plant has bolted, the leaves themselves become too bitter to eat. Focus on harvesting the tender blooms instead for a pleasant peppery addition to your meals.

How much space does arugula need?

Arugula is relatively compact and doesn't require much space. Space seeds about 1 inch apart in rows 1 foot apart, then thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. In containers, arugula plants fit well in standard pots as small as 6 inches deep, making them perfect for small spaces and container gardening.

Can you save arugula seeds for next season?

Yes, arugula seeds are easy to save. Let plants flower and allow seed heads to turn brown and become brittle. Cut seed heads into a paper bag, let them dry completely, then rub the pods to release seeds. Store seeds in a cool, dry place in a paper envelope or jar—they remain viable for up to six years.