Variety Info.:
Botanical Name: Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
Days to Maturity: 15–20 days
Family: Brassicaceae
Native: Africa, Asia, Europe; exact native range obscure
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant annual
Variety Information: Soft, green leaves are slightly lobed as a baby green, with hints of red in the veins. Flavor can be described as peppery.
Attributes: Good for Containers
Sowing Info.:
When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before average last frost, when soil temperature is at least 50°F, ideally 60°–70°F. Successive Sowings: Every 2 weeks until 2 weeks before the first fall frost.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. Sow indoors any time of year, with indoor temperatures 60°–75°F. Successive Sowings: Every 2 weeks for a continual supply.
Days to Emerge: 5–7 days
Seed Depth: ⅛”–¼”
Seed Spacing: ¾”
Thinning: Not required.
Growing Info.:
Harvesting: When seedlings emerge, the first pair of leaves to show are the cotyledons, which can look very different from the leaves that follow, called “true” leaves. Arugula baby greens are ready to harvest 15 to 20 days after sowing, when they have true leaves, at 2″–4″. Slow growers, or cool growing temperatures may require more time. Harvest by cutting just above the soil line. For more than one harvest (up to 3 before flavor declines) leave about 1/2″ of leafy growth on the small plants so they can regenerate.
