Whether you garden in the ground, in raised beds, on the windowsill, or anywhere else, arugula is a great addition or re-addition to your plant family. Read on for simple, straightforward specifics about growing arugula.
Jump to:
Family | Container Size | Good Companions | Bad Companions | Soil Conditions | Germination | Sun | Water | Temperature Range | Height | Lifespan | Reproduction | Yield Per Plant | Ingestibility | Further Reading
What Family Does Arugula Belong To?
Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) belongs to the Brassicaceae family, also known as the cabbage family.
Some of its relatives include broccoli, kale, and radishes.
What Size Container Should I Use for Growing Arugula?
The minimum container depth recommended for arugula is 6 inches.
The container should also be at least 6 inches wide.
Learn more in our Choosing the Right Planter for Your Container Garden article here.
What Are Good Companion Plants for Arugula?
Some of arugula's best companions are as follows:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Leek
- Shallot
- Chives
- Ramps
- Cucumber
- Celery
- Lettuce
- Carrot
- Dill
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Chamomile
- Spinach
- Watercress
- Marshmallow
What Are Bad Companion Plants for Arugula?
Arugula is not compatible with every plant. Some things to avoid planting with arugula are as follows:
- Tomato
- Potato
- Peppers such as jalapeño and bell pepper
- Eggplant
- Fennel
- Strawberry
What Soil Conditions Does Arugula Need?
Arugula prefers moist, well-draining soil with a neutral pH. It is tolerant of poor, low-fertility soils.
How Long Does Arugula Take to Germinate?
Arugula takes 5-7 days to germinate at a temperature of 40-55°F.
How Much Sun Does Arugula Need?
Arugula can grow in full sun to part shade.
In other words, it grows fastest in full sun. It will still grow in dappled shade or part shade, just at a slower rate.
Sun recommendations can vary by region, and arugula grown in hot areas or in warmer conditions than the ideal temperature range noted below may need more shade.
How Much Water Does Arugula Need?
Arugula prefers wet soil. In particular, the top 1 inch of its soil should stay consistently moist.
What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Growing Arugula?
Arugula grows fastest in temperatures of 40-65°F. Most varieties tend to bolt in temperatures above 65ºF.
This is its ideal temperature range. Although it will grow in temperatures both cooler and warmer than this range, the growth could be slower or even stunted.
Minimum and maximum temperatures will vary by variety. Some arugula varieties are bred for later harvests and others for warmer climates.
How Tall Does Arugula Get?
The average height of arugula is 3-24 inches.
Arugula is best harvested when leaves are young and on the smaller side. More mature leaves tend to be tougher and more bitter.
Is Arugula Annual, Biennial, or Perennial?
Arugula is an annual vegetable, meaning that it starts and ends its life in the same year.
How Does Arugula Reproduce?
Arugula reproduces by seed.
How Much Arugula is Produced Per Plant?
For arugula, how much is produced per plant (also called the yield) largely depends on the type of arugula and, at times, the variety.
Most arugulas produce 20-30 leaves per plant.
Can Arugula Be Ingested?
Arugula leaves, flowers, and seeds are edible.
Arugula does not have any known use in herbal preparations.
Like many members of the Brassicaceae family, arugula contains glucosinolates. Those who are sensitive to glucosinolates may want to consider reducing or avoiding arugula and/or cooking it before eating, as glucosinolates are reduced by cooking.
There are no other known safety concerns associated with ingesting arugula leaves, flowers, or seeds.
Further Reading
This article is intended as a quick-reference guide for gardeners. Consult your seed packet or seed catalog for variety-specific information.
When you have a bumper crop of arugula rolling in, you may not have enough time for long, complicated recipes or many-step preservation procedures. Check out my article on quick, simple uses for arugula here!
Arugula is featured in these Plant to Plate articles: