Arugula plants are fast-growing, cool-season annuals that are members of the Brassicaceae family. They have bright green, lobed leaves that are slightly spicy in flavor. Arugula is a popular salad green, but it can also be used in soups, sandwiches, and other dishes. Arugula grows best in well-drained soil and full sun, but it can tolerate some shade. It is easy to grow from seed and can be harvested in as little as 30 days. Arugula is a low-maintenance plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases.
Planning Your Garden With Arugula
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Arugula is an annual. |
| USDA Zone | Arugula is hardy IN USDA Zones 3-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Arugula is a cold-hardy crop and can tolerate temperatures down to 28. |
| Days to harvest | Arugula can be harvested as soon as it reaches a height of 3-4 inches, which usually takes about 10-14 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown arugula plant is about 12-18 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Arugula is a fast-growing, cool-season crop. It is best grown in full sun and prefers a spacing of 4-6 inches between plants. |
| Sun tolerance | Arugula is generally considered to be a shade-loving plant, and it is not very tolerant of full sun. It is best grown in partial shade or in areas that receive only morning sun. |
| Shade tolerance | Arugula is a fairly shade tolerant plant. It can tolerate up to 50% shade, although it will grow best in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Arugula prefers well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist. It is important to water regularly, and water deeply so that the soil is moist to a depth of 6-8 inches. Overwatering can cause the leaves to become bitter. During hot weather, arugula may need to be watered twice a day. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing arugula depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 cup of fertilizer per 10 square feet of soil. |
| Soil pH | Arugula prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Arugula is Popular
People like to grow arugula because it is an easy-to-grow, nutritious green that adds a unique flavor to salads and other dishes. Arugula is known for its peppery flavor and is a popular choice for adding a zesty kick to salads. It is also a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
Companion Plants For Arugula
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for arugula include:
Common Pests For Arugula
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow arugula, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
