Arugula

Scientific name: Eruca vesicaria, E. sativa
Eruca vesicaria, E. sativa
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Type:
Annual
USDA hardiness zones:
-

Also known as Rocket or Roquette, arugula has been known as an aphrodisiac since the first days of the Roman Empire, and was combined with other gleaned or scavenged greens and served with cheese as an important course in a formal meal. It, like other lettuce, needs less sun than vegetable or fruit crops and so can grow happily in light shade under high trees. Because of its peppery taste, it can be used as a substitute for garlic or chile in pesto and as a condiment for meat. It is rich in vitamin C.

This leafy green is a cool-season plant that can be ready to harve... more »

  • Medium
  • Easy

These plants are fast-growing, making them ideal for staggered plantings which then provides continuous harvests throughout the season. Initial crop may be sown in cold soil, as soon as danger of frost is over, with follow-up plantings every 2 to 3 weeks. The last sowing should be 4 weeks before your first frost. Seeds should be sown ¼ inch (1/2 cm) deep either in 1 inch (2 cm) rows or broadcast and then eventually thinned to 6 inch (15 cm). Try sowing with other salad greens but don't plant in the same location previously occupied by other cabbage family members. Shade in the warm parts of the summer to reduce bolting induced by heat and water stress: ideally under trellises where beans or tomatoes are grown. Insect pollination can lead to reseeding, but not interbreeding with other greens.

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