Spice up your salad bowl with garden-grown zest!
Arugula is the zesty green that brings bold flavor and fast results. With its peppery bite and tender leaves, this cool-season favorite is perfect for gardeners who love quick harvests and cooks who crave fresh, punchy greens.
Variety: Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)
Growth Habit: Fast-growing annual
Height: 8–12 inches
Flavor Profile: Spicy, peppery, and slightly nutty
Color: Deep green, lobed leaves
Planting Conditions: Prefers cool weather, full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline: Baby leaves in 20–25 days; mature leaves in 30–40 days
Uses: Microgreens, salads, sandwiches, pestos, pizzas
Fun Fact: Known as “rocket” in Europe, arugula has been a culinary staple since ancient Roman times and was once considered a love potion!
Gardeners and foodies alike love arugula for its quick growth and unforgettable flavor. Whether you're snipping spicy microgreens for a gourmet garnish or harvesting mature leaves for a peppery salad base, arugula delivers. Its bold taste pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses, citrus, and nuts—making it a must-have for any kitchen garden. Toss it fresh, blend it into pesto, or layer it on pizza for a rustic, homegrown kick.
To Full Size
🌞 Cool & Sunny: Plant in early spring or fall in full sun to partial shade.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Direct sow ¼ inch deep, spacing seeds 1 inch apart in rows 10–12 inches apart.
💧 Water Well: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination.
🌾 Thin & Tend: Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart. Weed regularly to reduce competition.
✂️ Harvest: Snip baby leaves at 2–3 inches or wait for mature leaves. Frequent harvesting encourages regrowth.
For Microgreens
🌱 Tray Setup: Use a shallow tray with drainage and fill with seed-starting mix or coco coir.
🌾 Sow Lightly: Scatter 10–12 grams of seed per 10"x20" tray. Press lightly into the surface.
💧 Mist & Cover: Mist gently and cover with a humidity dome or tray lid.
🌞 Sprout & Shine: Keep in a dark, warm place for 3 days, then move to light and begin bottom watering.
✂️ Micro-Harvest: Snip at 2–3 inches tall (around day 7–10). Store in the fridge and enjoy within a week.
