Mediterranean Salad Eruca vesicaria

Arugula is an annual cool-season vegetable in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) that is grown for its peppery-tasting leaves. It is native from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Peninsula and China. Growing 8 inches to 3 feet tall and 8 to 18 inches wide, arugula resembles tall lettuce. Popular in Italy, it is often eaten fresh in salads or used in a variety of cooked dishes. Many other parts of the plant can also be eaten such as the flowers, young seed pods, and seeds.

Another edible plant that is often confused with arugula is wild arugula or perennial wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia). It has narrow, deeply divided leaves and is heat-tolerant and perennial. Both kinds of arugula have similar culinary uses.

Arugula grows best in full sun to partial shade and moist, rich soil. Grow it in the cooler spring and fall as it tends to bolt and flower in hot weather, changing the flavor and stopping leaf growth. Because of this, some shade can be beneficial in hot climates to deter bolting. It also tolerates wet, mucky soil to some degree as well as light frosts. 

Seeds may be planted directly into the soil or started indoors before the last frost date for later transplanting. Thin seedlings out to 6 inches apart. If growing in containers, use a minimum pot size of 3 gallons and a minimum depth of 4 to 6 inches. Plants can self-seed in the garden, though they seldom run the risk of becoming a weed or escaping into natural areas.

Plants mature quickly, within 40 to 50 days, and can be harvested after 6 weeks. Pick young leaves as older leaves have a bitter flavor. Stagger plantings by one or two weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the season. Once plants bolt in the summer, the flowers and seed pods can be harvested as well.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Few serious problems, though minor diseases may occur such as bacterial leaf spot and powdery mildew. Aphids and flea beetles may cause problems. Damping off of seedlings is infrequent but possible.

VIDEO Created by Homegrown featuring Bill Lord, former Area Specialized Agent for NC State Extension