Arugula Italian Kitchen Herbs – Renee’s Garden Renee’s Garden

The luscious tangy leaves of Italian arugula, also called rocket salad in England and roquette in France, are easy to grow, carefree and absolutely delicious in salads or sautés. The nutty zip they give to mixtures of lettuce and other greens becomes a taste you’ll crave and wouldn’t do without. Peppery arugula complements the traditional summer tastes of basil and sun-warmed tomatoes, and goes equally well with cool season salads of heartier greens, nuts and pears or apples.

Seed Count: Approx. 1400 / Weight: 2 grams

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS

In early spring, sow seeds directly into well-worked garden soil in full sun or in a sunny spot with afternoon shade. Broadcast seed 2 inches apart, cover 1/4 inch deep and firm soil over seeds. Keep seed bed evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Make new sowings every 2 weeks until early summer for a constant supply of fresh non-bitter leaves. Begin harvesting young leaves in 3 to 4 weeks.

In hot summer areas, wait to sow again in late summer for fall use, as summer heat makes leaves very pungent.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Arugula grows so quickly we recommend sowing in place rather than transplanting. Thin seedlings 2 to 3 inches apart when plants are large enough to handle.

GROWING NOTES

Begin harvesting by thinning little seedlings to use in salads when they are several inches tall. Then, either pick individual leaves when 3-4 inches long, or snip leaves about 1 inch above the crown and let plants regrow for more harvests.