Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)

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Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)

Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) Datasheet

  1. Common Name: Arugula, Rocket

  2. Scientific Name: Eruca vesicaria (syn. Eruca sativa)

  3. Family: Brassicaceae

  4. Origin: Mediterranean region (Spain, North Africa, West Asia)

  5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–10 (annual crop; best in cool weather)

  6. Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; shading helpful in summer heat

  7. Water Needs: Regular moisture; keep soil evenly moist to maintain tenderness

  8. Soil Preferences: Rich, well-drained loamy soil; pH 6.0–7.0

  9. "Ponics" Compatibility:
    • Aquaponics: Very compatible
    • Aeroponics: Very compatible
    • Hydroponics: Very compatible
    • Preferred Method: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) or media-based systems; adaptable to grow lights

  10. Growth Habit: Fast-growing annual forming a basal rosette of deeply lobed leaves; flowers produce seed if bolted

  11. Height & Spread: 6–24 inches (~15–60 cm) tall; rosette spread ~8–12 in (20–30 cm)

  12. Time from Germination to Harvest: 30–40 days for full leaves; baby leaves ready in 20–30 days

  13. Flowering Time: Flower bolts occur in late spring or when temperatures exceed ~70°F; flowers are edible, creamy-white with purple veins

  14. Edible Parts: Leaves, flowers, seed pods, and seeds

  15. Medicinal Uses: Rich in vitamins A, C, K, folate, and minerals; has antioxidant and potential aphrodisiac properties (historic Roman lore)

  16. Companion Plants: Beets, celery, mint, and brassicas; seeds attract pollinators when flowered

  17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Generally resistant; watch for slugs, aphids, flea beetles, powdery mildew—provide good airflow

  18. Harvest Time: Harvest young leaves at ~3 in (~7 cm) length. Cut outer leaves and allow regrowth or harvest whole rosette. Refrigerate up to a week

  19. Propagation Methods: Direct-seed ¼ in (6 mm) deep in rows 12 in apart. Germination in 5–10 days. Sow every 1–2 weeks for continuous harvest

  20. Sustainability Features: Quick cover crop; suppresses weeds; deep roots improve soil; annual self-seeds easily

  21. Culinary Uses: Spicy addition to salads, pizzas, sandwiches; used fresh or lightly cooked; flowers and seed pods also eaten

  22. Fun Fact: Ancient Romans believed arugula had aphrodisiac qualities; it was seeded in Charlemagne’s gardens.

Astro (Eruca sativa 'Astro')
Flavor Profile: Mild but peppery—gentler than most arugulas.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for baby-leaf salad mixes and delicate garnishes.
Notes: Heirloom variety; forms tender rosettes; edible white flowers add visual and taste appeal.
Planting Tip: Sow in early spring or fall; harvest baby leaves at ~3 weeks or wait ~38 days for mature leaves.
Days to Maturity: 21–38 days

Garden Tangy (Eruca sativa 'Garden Tangy')
Flavor Profile: Spicy with frilly kale-like leaf texture.
Culinary Uses: Perfect for bold salads, pasta finishes, or pizza toppings.
Notes: Italian cultivar; vigorous growth with long, jagged leaves.
Planting Tip: Sow in cool weather; mulch to preserve moist soil and delay bolting.
Days to Maturity: 30–35 days

Italian Cress (Eruca sativa 'Italian Cress')
Flavor Profile: Nutty with light pepper—more mellow than standard arugula.
Culinary Uses: Excellent for sandwiches, slaws, and sautéed greens.
Notes: Large lettuce-like leaves; ideal for minimal harvest effort.
Planting Tip: Sow for continuous harvest; can also grow in containers or indoors.
Days to Maturity: ~30 days

Red Dragon (Eruca sativa 'Red Dragon')
Flavor Profile: Medium-spicy with mild bitterness.
Culinary Uses: Great for visually striking salads and garnishes.
Notes: Deeply lobed oak-like leaves with purple veins and stems.
Planting Tip: Prefers cool weather; shade in heat to slow bolting.
Days to Maturity: ~45 days

Rocket (Eruca sativa 'Rocket') (standard grocery variety)
Flavor Profile: Crisp and lightly peppery—classic arugula taste.
Culinary Uses: Salad greens, pizza toppings, and sandwiches.
Notes: Widely grown; rosette form with lobed leaves; typical archetype.
Planting Tip: Sow every 2–3 weeks in cool seasons for a continuous supply.
Days to Maturity: 30–40 days

Selvatica / Sylvetta (Eruca sativa 'Selvatica')
Flavor Profile: Bold and spicy—wild-rocket taste but as annual.
Culinary Uses: Adds strong peppery punch to spicy salads and sauces.
Notes: Olive-shaped deeply cut leaves; somewhat heat tolerant.
Planting Tip: Sow in early spring or fall; mulch to prevent hot-induced bolting.
Days to Maturity: ~35–50 days

Slow Bolt (Eruca sativa 'Slow Bolt')
Flavor Profile: Robust pepper flavor, similar to standard arugula.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for cooler regions—track salads through warmer weather.
Notes: Heat-tolerant heirloom that resists early flowering and bitterness.
Planting Tip: Best sown when temperatures under 75 °F; allows longer harvest window.
Days to Maturity: 35–50 days

Wasabi (Eruca sativa 'Wasabi') *** Not Actual Wasabi
Flavor Profile: Strongest peppery heat—comparable to horseradish.
Culinary Uses: Excellent in Asian cuisine, wasabi-style sauces, sushi, spicy salads.
Notes: Named for intense, sinus-clearing bite; small rosette.
Planting Tip: Sow in cool conditions; mulch and shade to slow growth and bolting.
Days to Maturity: ~40–50 days

🌱 Growing Note:

Arugula thrives in cool weather (40–70 °F); best planted in spring or fall. It bolts quickly in heat, so aim for successive sowing every 2–3 weeks in cooler seasons. For milder flavor, harvest baby leaves at ~20–30 days; full rosettes take 30–50 days depending on the variety.

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