Direct seed arugula in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked—as early as 8 weeks before the last frost in spring. Seeds germinate quickly even in cold soil and light frost will not harm the seedlings. Start indoors 12 to 8 weeks before the last frost or sow into the garden 2 weeks before the last frost.
When should I start arugula seeds?
spring
Arugula is traditionally direct-sown in the spring after the danger of hard frost has passed or in cooler fall months once soil temperatures start to decline.
When should arugula be planted?
spring
Set plants in the sunny garden in early spring for spring harvest or late summer for fall harvest. Plants prefer the cooler days of spring or fall. Like any leafy green, arugula requires a rich soil to make its best growth, and it will grow even better if you feed it with top-quality plant food, too.
How do you start arugula seeds?
Sow seeds ¼-inch deep and about 1 inch apart in rows 10 inches apart. Alternatively, broadcast arugula seeds alone or mix with other salad greens. Seeds germinate in about a week (or slightly longer in cold soil). Speed up germination by soaking seeds in water for a few hours prior to planting.
How long does it take arugula to sprout?
4-8 days
Seeds germinate in 4-8 days. From direct sowing. Ideal pH: 6.5-7.0. keep moist until germinated and then just keep the area weeded.
Should I start arugula indoors?
Arugula has become a popular salad green. I know, you want to ask us “can I grow arugula indoors?” and our answer to that is yes, you can!
Does arugula come back every year?
Standard garden arugula is an annual which won’t grow back the next year, but it can easily reseed itself, sprouting new arugula plants the following year. Wild arugula (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) is a perennial which can survive moderate frosts and grow back every year.
How cold can arugula tolerate?
Basics. Arugula is very hardy and can withstand frost. This specific variety is hardy down to 6˚ F. Arugula prefers rich, moist soil and cooler temperatures but can withstand a variety of different climates.
What temperature can arugula tolerate?
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature range for arugula is between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It tolerates frost but doesn’t like the high heat of summer. You can extend arugula’s growing season somewhat by protecting it from freezes with row covers and from heat with shading.
What can you not plant with arugula?
Most plants in the nightshade or solanum family are incompatible with arugula plants. This is because nightshades prefer a more acidic soil pH of 5.5-6.5 while arugula prefers a more neutral soil pH of 6.5-7. It is not recommended to grow arugula next to eggplant, peppers, potatoes, or tomato.
Should you soak arugula seeds?
Soaking the seed for a few hours (no longer as seeds need oxygen) may speed germination. Baby leaves will be ready to harvest in seven to eight weeks. Common arugula germinates in about ten days and is ready to harvest about five weeks later.
What temperature does arugula germinate?
Arugula will germinate in very warm soil, as high as 85-90 degrees, and it will grow quickly when kept moist.
How many arugula seeds are in a hole?
Keep holes approximately 2 feet apart to allow for the most arugula grow. Lightly sprinkle 4-5 arugula seeds in each spot. It should be noted that not all seeds will germinate and you can always thin your plants out after they grow.
Will arugula reseed itself?
Plants That Reliably Self-seed
Plenty of common edibles are excellent self-seeders – arugula, Oriental leaves such as mustard, lettuce and radishes all readily self-seed. Herbs such as chamomile, cilantro and dill will flower and self-seed easily.
Do arugula seeds need light to germinate?
Arugula grows best in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Seed germinates in 5 to 7 days at or near 60°F (7°C)—but the seed will germinate in soil as chilly as 40°F (4°C).
How fast does arugula grow?
20-50 days
Arugula is a fast-growing crop that can be harvested soon after sowing. Depending on the variety of arugula you’ve planted, you can expect to harvest its leaves in 20-50 days after sowing.
How do you start arugula indoors?
To grow arugula microgreens, fill a small container with potting soil and generously sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil. Lightly mist and cover with another container to keep the light out. After about 4 or 5 days remove the cover and put the container in a well-lit spot, taking care to keep the soil moist.
Can you eat arugula after it bolts?
You can still eat arugula leaves after the plants have bolted, but be prepared for a lot of spice and bitterness! Another alternative is to harvest and eat the flowers, which are also edible and have their own unique peppery flavor. Some people actually prefer arugula flowers to arugula greens, so give them a try.
Where does arugula grow best?
The arugula plant grows best in well-drained soil, but it likes a lot of moisture so water frequently. The plants also prefer a soil pH of 6 to 6.5.
How often do you fertilize arugula?
Arugula plants do best when they receive fertilizer and the soil is amended with organic material before they are planted. About every two weeks once arugula plants have their first true leaves, gardeners should apply a balanced water-soluble or granular fertilizer.
Can arugula seedlings handle frost?
Yes, tolerates light frosts and moderate freezes.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.