How to Prune Arugula?

(Eruca vesicaria)

Arugula, also known as Rocket salad, Jamba, Rocket, Rugula

A leafy green enjoyed for its peppery flavor, arugula benefits from regular pruning to encourage healthy growth. Key techniques include pinching off flower buds to prevent bolting, and trimming older outer leaves to promote new foliage. Optimal pruning occurs from early spring through late fall, aligning with the plant's growth cycle. Pruning not only maintains size but also improves air circulation and plant vigor, resulting in a more robust harvest.

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Arugula?

Pruning arugula encourages vigorous growth, allowing it to rejuvenate and produce fresh leaves. It also helps maintain the desired shape, promoting both aesthetic appeal and optimal plant health.

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Arugula?

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Early spring is ideal for pruning arugula as it prepares the plant for a vigorous growth phase and removes any damaged or dead foliage from the winter season. Late fall pruning helps remove older leaves and prevents disease during the winter. These seasons align with arugula's growth cycle and help maintain plant health, without disrupting its natural flowering or fruiting periods.

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Arugula?

Hand Shears

These are perfect for snipping and shaping arugula.

Gardening Scissors

Ideal for cutting soft stems and deadheading arugula.

Bypass Pruners

For precise cuts without damaging the tender stems of arugula.

How to Prune Arugula

Step1: Remove Older Base Leaves

Identify older leaves at the base of arugula, which appear more mature or may be yellowing. These are typically the largest, oldest leaves on the plant and are the first to be removed when pruning.

Step2: Prune Damaged Leaves

Inspect arugula for any damaged leaves that may have been caused by pests, disease, or physical injury. Leaves that are discolored, have holes, or are otherwise blemished should be targeted for removal.

Step3: Cut Off Seed Pods

Look for seed pods, or siliques, which develop after arugula has flowered. These should be removed if your goal is to encourage the plant to produce more edible leaves, as the plant's energy will otherwise be directed towards seed production.

Step4: Sterilize Pruning Tools

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make precise cuts. Sterilize your tool with rubbing alcohol before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.

Step5: Precise Old Leaf Removal

To remove old leaves, cut the leaf stem at the base where it joins the main plant. Make the cut as close to the base without harming the central stalk, ensuring a healthy regrowth.

Step6: Excise Blemished Leaves

For damaged leaves, follow the same procedure as for old leaves, removing them at the base of their stem to reduce risk of disease spreading to healthy parts of the plant.

Step7: Promote Growth by Pod Pruning

When pruning seed pods, cut the stem supporting the pod close to where it joins a main stem or just above the uppermost leaf on the stem, to promote vegetative growth.

Step8: Dispose of Debris

After pruning, dispose of the removed leaves and pods properly, keeping them away from the healthy arugula as they can harbor pests or disease.

Step9: Water Plant Post-Pruning

Water arugula after pruning to help reduce stress on the plant and encourage new leaf growth, applying water directly to the base and avoiding wetting the foliage to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.

Step10: Monitor New Growth

Monitor arugula after pruning for signs of new growth. Regularly check for and remove any further old or damaged leaves and seed pods as necessary to maintain plant health and vigor.

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Post-Pruning Care for Arugula

Immediately after pruning arugula, water the plant to reduce stress and encourage healing. Maintain a well-lit environment, avoiding direct harsh sunlight that can damage tender new growth. Keep the temperature around arugula between 60-70°F with moderate humidity. Support arugula's recovery by applying a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer to replenish nutrients. Monitor arugula frequently for wilted leaves or discoloration indicating stress or infection. If such signs are present, adjust care accordingly and consider a fungicide for infections.

Common Pruning Mistakes with Arugula

Avoid Excessive Pruning at Once

Over-Pruning: Gardeners sometimes remove too much of arugula at once, which can weaken the plant and reduce its yield.

Balance Pruning Between Old and New Leaves

Pruning old leaves only: Novices often focus on removing older, lower leaves and overlook the importance of thinning the upper foliage to improve air circulation.

Use Sharp, Clean Pruning Tools

Using Dull or Dirty Tools: Cutting arugula with dull or dirty pruning tools can damage its delicate leaves and introduce disease.

Common Pruning Tips for Arugula

Encourage Growth Through Regular Harvesting

Regular Harvesting: Regularly harvest the outer leaves of arugula, which also doubles as a gentle form of pruning to encourage new growth.

Improve Light and Air by Selective Thinning

Selective Thinning: Thin out dense areas by selectively pruning crowded leaves, especially in the center of the plant, to increase sunlight penetration and air circulation.

Ensure Precise Cuts with Sharp Tools

Clean Cuts: Make sure to use sharp, clean scissors or pruners to make precise cuts and avoid tearing the leaves of arugula, which can minimize stress and disease risk.