How to Grow and Care for Arugula

Arugula, also known as Rocket, Roquette, Salad rocket, Rugula, Rucola, Italian cress, Rocket pepper

Arugula requires full sun and thrives in well-drained, fertile soil for optimal growth. Special care points include ensuring regular watering, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Arugula can be harvested as early as 4-6 weeks after planting, with leaves being picked when they are young and tender. Overcrowding should be avoided to prevent disease and to allow for proper growth.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Arugula

Toughness	Medium
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Annual
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Hardiness Zones	2-11

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Arugula features a rosette of lobed, elongated leaves with a deeply veined surface, growing around 8 inches to 3 feet (20 to 90 cm) in height and spanning 8 to 18 inches (20 to 45 cm) wide. The foliage is a vibrant green and has a signature peppery flavor. Its flowering stems bear small white to yellowish flowers, each with four petals arranged in a cross shape, characteristic of the Brassicaceae family.