Eruca vesicaria Arugula

Eruca vesicaria Arugula, also known as Rocket or Roquette, is a vigorous, fast-growing annual leafy green, prized for its tender, deeply lobed leaves and distinctive peppery, nutty flavor. Growing to about 6 to 12 inches tall during the harvest stage, this variety is an essential addition to kitchen gardens, raised beds, and patio containers where fresh salad greens are desired. Unlike slower-growing greens, arugula matures quickly in cool weather, offering a "cut-and-come-again" harvest that provides a continuous supply of spicy, gourmet foliage.

 

Culinary and Practical Uses

• The fresh, tender leaves are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, adding a spicy kick to mixed salads (mesclun), sandwiches, and wraps.
• Older, larger leaves are excellent when wilted into pastas, blended into zesty pestos, or used as a fresh topping for wood-fired pizzas just before serving.
  
• The edible flowers, which appear as the plant bolts, offer a milder peppery flavor and serve as an elegant garnish for gourmet dishes.

 

Characteristics

• Foliage: Deeply lobed, dark green leaves (resembling oak leaves) with a rich, spicy scent; texture is tender when young and becomes more robust as the plant matures.
• Growth Habit: Forms a low-growing, open rosette of leaves that bolts (sends up a flower stalk) quickly in high heat; ideal for succession planting.
• Flowers: Produces delicate, four-petaled creamy white blossoms with distinct purple veins, which are attractive to pollinators and signal the end of the leaf harvest.
• Seeds: Harvested from small, beak-like pods that form after flowering; seeds are small, round, and brownish, and can be saved for future planting or used as a spice.

 

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; planting in partial shade is recommended during warmer months to delay bolting and keep leaves tender.
• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter; consistent soil fertility ensures rapid growth and better flavor.
• Water: Requires regular, consistent watering; dry soil can cause the leaves to become overly bitter and tough.
• Spacing: Plant seeds or thin seedlings 4 to 6 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and leaf development.
• Maintenance: Harvest outer leaves frequently to encourage new growth; replant every 2 to 3 weeks in spring and fall for a continuous supply.

 

Shipping Info Arugula seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.