ArugulaEruca vesicaria subsp. sativa

Arugula

Arugula

1. Eruca sativa

1. Arugula
2. Rocket
3. Garden Rocket
4. Salad Rocket
5. Rucola
6. Roquette
7. Rugula
8. Colewort
9. Ruchetta
10. Rucoli
11. Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
12. Eruca sativa

1. Arugula
2. Rocket
3. Garden Rocket
4. Salad Rocket
5. Rucola
6. Roquette
7. Rugula
8. Colewort
9. Ruchetta
10. Rucoli
11. Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
12. Eruca sativa

1. Arugula
2. Rocket
3. Garden Rocket
4. Rucola
5. Roquette
6. Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
7. Eruca sativa
8. Salad

Mustard family

1. Radieschen
2. Radish
3. Kohl
4. Cabbage
5. Senf
6. Mustard
7. Kresse
8. Cress
9. Brokkoli
10. Broccoli
11. Blumenkohl
12. Cauliflower

1. Leaves

Arugula, also known as Garden Rocket, is a popular leafy green valued for its peppery, nutty flavor. It is easy to grow and provides a quick, abundant harvest, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether in the garden bed, raised bed, or on the balcony, arugula enriches any kitchen with its fresh leaves.

Arugula prefers a sunny to partial shade location and humus-rich, well-drained soil. Sowing can be done from spring to autumn, with regular succession sowing ensuring a continuous harvest. Consistent watering is crucial to prevent premature bolting and bitter leaves. Harvest is possible as early as 3-6 weeks after sowing.

The young, tender leaves of arugula are the most flavorful. They can be picked individually or the entire plant can be cut about 2-3 cm above the ground to encourage new growth. Arugula is versatile in the kitchen: raw in salads, on pizza, in pasta, or as pesto. It should be consumed as fresh as possible, as it quickly loses its aroma.

1. Tasksow_indoor

   Label

   Pre-sow arugula indoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionFür eine frühe Ernte

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow in small pots or seed trays and place in a bright spot.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sow arugula outdoors

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionNach den letzten Frösten, Bodentemperatur über 10°C

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow in rows 15-20 cm apart, thin to 5-10 cm later.

2. Taskplant_out

   Label

   Transplant pre-grown arugula

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionNach den letzten Frösten

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Carefully transfer young plants to the garden or larger pots.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Succession sow arugula

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionFür kontinuierliche Ernte

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow a small amount every 2-4 weeks.

2. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest arugula

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionBlätter sind groß genug (ca. 10-15 cm)

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Pick outer leaves or cut the entire plant about 2-3 cm above the ground.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Succession sow arugula

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionFür kontinuierliche Ernte

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   In summer months, sow in partial shade to prevent bolting.

2. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest arugula

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionBlätter sind groß genug

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Regular harvesting encourages new growth.

3. Taskwater

   Label

   Water arugula regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionBesonders bei Trockenheit und Hitze

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture prevents premature bolting and bitter leaves.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Succession sow arugula

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionFür kontinuierliche Ernte

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   In mid-summer, choose shadier locations.

2. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest arugula

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionBlätter sind groß genug

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Leaves become spicier as flowering begins.

3. Taskwater

   Label

   Water arugula regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionBesonders bei Trockenheit und Hitze

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Succession sow arugula

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionFür späte Ernten

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Good yields still possible in late summer.

2. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest arugula

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionBlätter sind groß genug

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Regular harvesting extends the season.

3. Taskwater

   Label

   Water arugula regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionBei Bedarf

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Ensure adequate soil moisture.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Succession sow arugula

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 9

   ConditionFür sehr späte Ernten, ggf. unter Schutz

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Arugula sown in September grows slower but can be harvested into autumn.

2. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest arugula

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9

   ConditionBlätter sind groß genug

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Last harvests before the first frost.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest arugula

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 10

   ConditionSolange kein starker Frost droht

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest can be extended under fleece or in a greenhouse.

Full sun to partial shade. Partial shade is beneficial in mid-summer to prevent bolting.

Sheltered, but not completely still. Light breeze helps prevent fungal diseases.

A location with morning or evening sun and protection from intense midday sun in summer is ideal.

Humus-rich, loose, well-drained

Loose, crumbly

Arugula prefers nutrient-rich but not too heavy soil. Good drainage is important to avoid waterlogging.

Regular and consistent, especially during dry periods.

Water directly at the base of the plants, keeping leaves as dry as possible.

Consistent moisture is crucial to keep leaves tender and prevent premature bolting and bitterness.

As needed, after the first harvest.

Well-rotted compost, organic liquid fertilizer.

Moderate fertilization is sufficient. Too much nitrogen can make the leaves bitter. A compost application before sowing is ideal.

Arugula is a fast-growing crop that can effectively fill gaps in the bed. Ideal as a preceding or succeeding crop.

1. Legumes (peas, beans)
2. Green manure

1. Other Brassicas (cabbage, radish, mustard)

1. Heavy feeders (cabbage, tomatoes)
2. Potatoes

1. Other Brassicas

As a fast-growing crop, arugula can be used as a preceding or intermediate crop, but should adhere to the Brassica crop rotation rules.

1. Slugstickstoffmangel

   Name

   Nitrogen Deficiency

   Description

   Leaves turn pale green to yellowish, especially older leaves.

   Severitylow

   Management

   1. Organic fertilizer
   2. Compost
   3. Horn meal
2. Slugkaliummangel

   Name

   Potassium Deficiency

   Description

   Leaf margins yellow and turn brown, wilted appearance.

   Severitylow

   Management

   1. Wood ash
   2. Potassium-rich fertilizer
3. Slugmagnesiummangel

   Name

   Magnesium Deficiency

   Description

   Yellowing between leaf veins (interveinal chlorosis), often on older leaves.

   Severitylow

   Management

   1. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate)

Arugula is a moderate feeder; deficiencies are rare with well-prepared soil.

1. Slugschossen

   Name

   Bolting / Premature Flowering

   Description

   Plant rapidly forms a flower stalk, leaves become smaller and bitter.

   Severityhigh

   Causes

   1. Heat
   2. Drought
   3. Long days
   4. Nutrient stress

   Prevention

   1. Water regularly
   2. Grow in partial shade in summer
   3. Succession sowing
   4. Mulching
2. Slugbittere_blaetter

   Name

   Bitter Leaves

   Description

   Leaves develop an unpleasantly bitter taste.

   Severitymedium

   Causes

   1. Heat
   2. Drought
   3. Age of leaves
   4. Excess nitrogen

   Prevention

   1. Consistent moisture
   2. Harvest young leaves
   3. Shade in summer
   4. Moderate fertilization
3. Sluggelbe_blaetter

   Name

   Yellowing Leaves

   Description

   Leaves turn yellow.

   Severitylow

   Causes

   1. Lack of water
   2. Waterlogging
   3. Nutrient deficiency (nitrogen)
   4. Age of leaves

   Prevention

   1. Water sufficiently and consistently
   2. Good drainage
   3. Balanced nutrient supply

Most common problems with arugula are environmental and can largely be avoided with adapted care.

1. Chewing pests (beetles, caterpillars, slugs)
2. Sucking pests (aphids)

1. Fungal diseases (mildew, rust)

1. Practice crop rotation to avoid soil-borne diseases.
2. Ensure adequate plant spacing for good air circulation.
3. Water regularly and consistently, avoid waterlogging.
4. Protect from strong sun in summer to prevent bolting.
5. Use row covers against flying insects (flea beetles, cabbage white butterfly).
6. Enrich soil with compost for healthy, resilient plants.

Look for the first signs of problems, such as discolorations, holes, or stunted growth. Also check weather conditions and soil moisture.

1. Slugschossen

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. High temperatures (>25°C)
   2. Drought
   3. Long daylight periods

   Affected parts

   1. Entire plant
   2. Leaves
   3. Stems

   Prevention

   1. Regular and sufficient watering
   2. Cultivation in partial shade during hot periods
   3. Mulching to cool soil and retain moisture
   4. Early spring or late autumn sowing
   5. Continuous harvesting of young leaves

   Organic control

   1. Premature bolting cannot be reversed; harvest or remove affected plants.
   2. Allow to go to seed for seed saving if desired.
2. Slugerdfloehe

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Dry, warm weather
   2. Young plants

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves (holes)

   Prevention

   1. Apply row covers immediately after sowing
   2. Keep soil moist, as flea beetles prefer dry conditions
   3. Companion planting with deterrent plants (e.g., lettuce)

   Organic control

   1. Neem oil sprays for heavy infestations
   2. Yellow sticky traps for monitoring and reduction
   3. Regular hoeing to disturb larvae
3. Slugfalscher_mehltau

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Humid, cool weather
   2. Poor air circulation
   3. Dense planting

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves (upper and lower side)

   Prevention

   1. Adequate plant spacing
   2. Avoid overhead watering, keep leaves dry
   3. Cultivate in an airy location
   4. Crop rotation

   Organic control

   1. Immediately remove and dispose of affected leaves (do not compost)
   2. Plant strengtheners based on horsetail extract

1. Symptom

   Small, round holes in leaves, especially on young plants.

   Possible causes

   1. erdfloehe

   First checks

   1. Check plants for small, jumping beetles.
   2. Check soil moisture.
2. Symptom

   Plant rapidly forms a tall stalk and flowers, leaves become small and bitter.

   Possible causes

   1. schossen

   First checks

   1. Check ambient temperature.
   2. Check soil moisture.
   3. Note day length.
3. Symptom

   Yellowish spots on the upper leaf surface, grey mold on the underside.

   Possible causes

   1. falscher_mehltau

   First checks

   1. Check humidity and air circulation.
   2. Check plant spacing.
4. Symptom

   Leaves turn pale green to yellow, especially older leaves.

   Possible causes

   1. stickstoffmangel
   2. wassermangel
   3. staunaesse

   First checks

   1. Check soil for moisture and nutrient content.
   2. Check drainage.

1. Germination
2. Cotyledon development
3. Rosette formation
4. Leaf growth
5. Bolting
6. Flowering
7. Seed maturation

Arugula is a fast-growing plant, ready for harvest within a few weeks under optimal conditions. It tends to bolt prematurely in heat and drought.

Small, white flowers with dark veins, typical for Brassicas, arranged in loose racemes.

Approximately 6-8 weeks after sowing, especially in warm weather and long days.

Flowering often signals the end of the prime leaf harvest period, as leaves become spicier and more bitter.

Pick individual outer leaves (cut-and-come-again) or cut the entire plant about 2-3 cm above the ground.

Approximately 3-6 weeks after sowing, when leaves have reached a length of 10-15 cm.

In the morning, after the dew has dried, for best flavor and longest shelf life.

Regular harvesting encourages new growth and delays bolting. As flowering begins, leaves become spicier and more bitter.

Every 1-2 weeks using the 'cut-and-come-again' method.

1. Leaves are about 10-15 cm long
2. Before bolting

Gently wash and spin-dry leaves. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.

In the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp cloth or in an airtight container.

2-5°C

Arugula is best enjoyed fresh. Storage is only recommended for a short period.

Short-term storage (refrigerator)

2-4 days in the refrigerator.

1. Pesto
2. Freezing (blanched or as a puree)

Fresh consumption as a salad or side dish.

Pesto, lightly sautéed in pasta or on pizza.

Arugula's pungent, nutty flavor is most intense when consumed fresh and raw. It loses some of its pungency when cooked.

Peppery, nutty, slightly bitter, with a characteristic pungency.

1. Salads
2. Pesto
3. Pizza
4. Pasta
5. Sandwiches
6. Soups (add just before serving)
7. Smoothies

Pairs well with tomatoes, Parmesan, mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, citrus fruits, nuts, and fish.

Young leaves are milder in flavor; older leaves and those grown in heat can be significantly spicier and more bitter.

1. Leaves
2. Flowers
3. Young seed pods

Arugula is non-toxic and safe for consumption.

Yes, arugula is primarily consumed raw.

Medium

At least 400-800 meters from other Eruca species or other arugula varieties to ensure varietal purity.

1. Allow plants to bolt and flower. Flowers will be pollinated by insects.
2. Wait until seed pods (siliques) turn dry and brown.
3. Harvest entire plants or just the dry pods.
4. Extract seeds from pods and clean them from chaff.
5. Store seeds in a dry, cool, and dark place.

Arugula is an open-pollinated plant, so adequate isolation distance from other Brassicas of the Eruca genus is important for pure seeds. Different arugula varieties can also cross-pollinate.

Insect-pollinated, partially self-fertile

At least 6-12 plants for maintaining genetic diversity of a variety.

Pods turn yellow-brown and dry, and the seeds inside are hard and dark.

Rub or thresh dry pods to release seeds. Then clean through sieves.

Store airtight in a jar or bag, cool (approx. 5-10°C) and dark. Shelf life 3-4 years.

To obtain the best seeds, select healthy, vigorous plants that have not bolted too early.

Arugula is an annual herbaceous plant and does not require specific cultivation or pruning systems relevant to woody crops.

Arugula flowers attract bees and other pollinators when the plants are allowed to bloom. This can make a small contribution to local insect biodiversity before the plants are harvested or bolt.